VTBeef - Home of the Beef Extension Program at Virginia Tech | School of Animal Sciences

VTBeef - Home of the Beef Extension Program at Virginia Tech

Enhancing the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle production systems through enhanced production efficiency and value-added ventures.

Black Angus Sketch

Illustration of an a Black Angus cow from the side.

Upcoming Events

Promotional graphic for Virginia Beef Cattle University. Event dates July 8–10, 2026 at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. Text reads “Registration is Open Now” with a Register Now button and QR code. Event includes educational breakout sessions, workshops, industry networking and tradeshow, and a prime rib dinner. Website: vabeefcattleu.com. Contact: emilyebowman@vt.edu . Background image shows a close-up of a white beef cow. — Click the image above to learn more.

2026 Virginia Beef Cattle University

July 8 - 10, 2026
Blacksburg, VA
Early Bird Registration Cost: $175
Student Registration Cost: $100

For more information: contact Emily Bowman at emilyebowman@vt.edu

Screenshot of the linked PDF flyer: Managing your Spring Calving Cows. — Click the image above to open the pdf.

2026 Virginia Master Cattlemen's Program

Thursdays from 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Feb 12 - Mar 26 via Zoom
Registration Cost: $90
Registration Deadline: Feb 5, 2026

For more information: contact Phil Blevins, Washington County Extension Office, at 276-676-6309 or pblevins@vt.edu

Additional Learning Opportunities

2026 Fence-building School
Join Virginia Forages and Grassland Council for a one-day school near you featuring expert instructors & hands-on fence building in the field. Learn materials selection, fence design, brace construction, high-tensile woven & smooth wire installation & electric fencing.

April 1 - Dry Fork, VA
April 8 - Galax, VA
April 29 - Weyer's Cave, VA

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2026 Intro to Managed Grazing: Simple Steps to Smarter Pasture Management (Webinar Series)

April 14 – Managed Grazing Across All Scales
April 21 – Small Steps Towards Managed Grazing
April 28 – The Biology Behind Managed Grazing
May 5 – Optimizing Grazing with Strip Grazing and Daily Rotations

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May 12 - 15 - Stockmanship | Bridgewater, VA
Learn efficient and effective livestock handling from renowned stockmen, Tom Curtina and Dawn Hnatow. Classroom, hands-on, horseback or on foot

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If you are a person with a disability and require any auxiliary aids, services or other accommodations for any Extension event, please discuss your accommodation needs with the Extension staff at your local Extension office at least 1 week prior to the event.

Former Program Materials - Resources

VCE Beef Publications

Livestock Emergency Preparedness

VT Beef Cattle Center

Beef cattle in a field of rolling hills with snow facing camera. — An educational initiative dedicated to helping Virginia livestock producers achieve up to 300 days of grazing each year through improved pasture management and environmental stewardship.

Protocols, resources, and strategies to improve the success of on-farm reproductive technologies and enhance profitability of beef cow-calf production.

eBeef.org

Learn more about our Beef Programs & Events

Virginia Tech's Beef Cattle Extension events and programs help serve the beef cattle industry address the segments of the beef industry. The primary focus of these programs is to enhance the profitability and sustainability of beef cattle production systems through enhanced production efficiency and value-added ventures.

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Virginia Beef Quality Assurance Program , redirect
As part of the Mid-Atlantic BQA program, Virginia BQA educates and certifies producers in best management practices that improve the safety and quality of beef.
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Virginia Premium Assured Heifer Program (VPAHP)
As part of the Mid-Atlantic BQA program, Virginia BQA educates and certifies producers in best management practices that improve the safety and quality of beef
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Virginia Beef Cattle Improvement Association , redirect
Since 1955, Virginia BCIA in partnership with Extension has worked to enhance the genetics of Virginia beef cattle herds. BCIA sponsors the state’s central bull development program and serves as an educational conduit to the beef cattle industry.
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Virginia Master Cattleman Program
This is a seven-session course that provides essential information for beef producers in the areas of economics, nutrition, forages, reproduction, genetics, herd health, and marketing. The program is offered on an area basis by local Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and is taught by local agents and Virginia Tech specialists.
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Virginia Quality Assured Feeder Cattle Program , redirect
Extension partners with the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association and local cattlemen’s associations for the VQA program which encourages the use of scientifically-based cattle health and management procedures for feeder cattle. Producers that manage their cattle utilizing the VQA guidelines are eligible to market their calves through the VQA certified feeder cattle program.
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Tri-State Beef Conference
The Tri-State Beef Conference is an educational program for cow/calf producers and stocker operators to learn about managing production and price risk. The annual conference is presented by University of Tennessee Extension, Virginia Cooperation Extension, and North Carolina Cooperative Extension.

Beef Extension Contacts

Genetics / Bull Test Stations

Extension Veterinarian

Youth

Have a question or need help with a beef cattle situation?

Virginia Cooperative Extension is here to help. To find your local Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent, visit your county’s website or call your local Extension office.