Texas Brigades Connect Young People and Agriculture By Alex Jurica
T
EXAS BRIGADES TEACHES STUDENTS AGES 13 TO 17 SKILLS TO PRESERVE THE WORLD around them. The brigades offer 5 camps centered on wildlife, agri-
culture and conservation — Ranch, Bobwhite, Buckskin, Waterfowl and Bass. I attended the Ranch Brigade, the fi rst of which was held in 2013. Each of these camps bring in specialized instructors such as trained bi- ologists, nutritionists and conservationists. I chose Ranch Brigade because I have already shown Beefmaster and
Brahman cattle. However, living in the Houston suburbs I don’t get many experiences like those offered by the camp — beef production, cattle health, nutrition, anatomy and fabrication. The camp also teaches land steward- ship, native plant identifi cation and resource management. Outside the classroom we participated in leadership activities and ranch
competition in posthole digging, hay hauling, goat milking and roping. Before leaving the camp, each cadet creates a display using informa-
tion given to us during camp. My display illustrated the path beef follows to get from pasture to plate. After camp, each cadet is given a Book of Accomplishments. Points are earned and entered in the book for spread- ing the word about Texas Brigades and conservation. Those who achieve enough points are rewarded with hunting, fi shing or camping trips. Cadets can earn their way back to camp as counselors, and there are scholarship opportunities for the most points earned in their books. Ranch Brigade gave me leadership skills and knowledge about cattle
and the cattle industry. I encourage youth to apply for Texas Brigades. There is a camp for everyone and it is a fun experience that connects you to people and our land. You will leave camp as an experienced leader and conservationist. To learn more, visit
texasbrigades.org.
tscra.org
January 2014 The Cattleman 21
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