TCFA, in conjunction with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and West Texas A&M University, hosts the Junior Fed Beef Career & Leadership Program, also known as “Feedyard Camp.” The program is open to any incoming High School Juniors or Seniors who have an interest in pursuing a career in feedyard management and the fed beef industry.

The tour is designed to educate participants on feedyard operations and career opportunities in the fed beef industry. Students participate in problem solving and leadership activities, including tours of commercial cattle feeding operations and of a beef processing facility. Participants learn beef carcass anatomy and fabrication, and they participate in a consumer beef taste panel. Students also spend a day learning day-to-day operations of a feedyard and have the opportunity to participate in a job shadow program with a local feedyard following the conclusion of the program.