Our amazing CTC Animal Science teacher, Mrs. Dickey, led her students, as well as some of Mrs. Griffin's students, to Overton, Texas recently to help them obtain their Feedyard Technician Certification. There are two components to the program, cattle care and handling, machinery operations, repair and maintenance. Students trained all day on Thursday learning about injections, terminology and processes of the feedyard. Then, on Friday, the students went through a rigorous interview and test in hopes to obtain the certification. Great news! We have nine newly Certified Feedyard Technicians! The program, being the TCFA Feedyard Technician Program of Overton is partnered with Texas A & M University, and is vital for helping Animal Science students learn the ropes of the industry. This certification is one approved by TEA for Industry Based Certifications. These certification help our students reach College, Career and/or Military Ready (CCMR) which is required by the state. YOU GO, Mrs. Dickey and the Animal Science students!
So what now?
A feedyard technician is responsible for various tasks related to the care and management of livestock in a feedyard. Some of the common duties of a feedyard technician include:
Animal Health Monitoring: Monitoring the health and well-being of livestock, identifying any signs of illness or distress, and administering medications or treatments as needed.
Feed Management: Overseeing the feeding of livestock, ensuring they receive the proper nutrition and feed according to feeding schedules.
Facility Maintenance: Maintaining cleanliness and functionality of feedyard facilities, including feeding equipment, water systems, and holding pens.
Record Keeping: Keeping detailed records of animal health, feed consumption, medications administered, and other relevant data to ensure compliance with regulations and best practices.
Handling and Processing: Handling livestock for various procedures such as vaccinations, weighing, and sorting.
Environmental Stewardship: Implementing practices to minimize environmental impact, such as managing waste and runoff effectively.
Safety Compliance: Adhering to safety protocols to ensure the well-being of both livestock and personnel working in the feedyard.
These tasks are crucial for maintaining the health and productivity of the livestock in the feedyard.
For more information on the Feedyard Technician Program, visit: Feedyard Certification Program
For more information on the Animal Science Program of Study, visit: TISD CTE Animal Science Program
