wide shot of cattle feedlot

TCFA Feedyard Technician Program

Cattle industry skill-building for high school juniors and seniors

Educational Experiences for Future Careers

The TCFA Feedyard Technician Program is a program led by Texas Cattle Feeders Association in cooperation with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and  West Texas A&M University that provides high school juniors and seniors the knowledge and skills needed to prepare them for a potential career in the fed cattle industry.

These educational experiences are made possible by enlisting the support of Agricultural Science Teachers in identifying these potential students. The program is designed to allow the teacher flexibility in utilizing existing class courses and learning experiences to obtain the program goals. 

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service logo
Texas Cattle Feeders Association logo
West Texas A&M University logo

The TCFA Feedyard Technician Program offers two distinct career paths: Cattle Care and Handling, and Machinery Operation, Repair, and Maintenance.

A student may choose to pursue one or both. Learn more in the Feedyard Technician Program overview PDF.

Cattle Care & Handling
Deadline for applications will be January 24, 2025

Panhandle Program: Cattle Care & Handling
Overton Program: Cattle Care & Handling
Kingsville Program: Cattle Care & Handling
Sample Test Questions: Cattle Care & Handling
Interview Prep: Cattle Care & Handling
Training Videos: Cattle Care & Handling
Cattle Handling in Pens and Individual Cattle
Working Cattle with a Bud Box and Hydraulic Chute
Cattle Handling with Feedyard Cattle
Sect 4 BQSAP Cattle Handling and Care

Machinery Operation, Repair & Maintenance
Check back in May 2025 for Program Details

Sample Test Questions: Machinery Operation, Repair & Maintenance

Interview Prep: Machinery Operation, Repair & Maintenance
Training Videos: Machinery Operation, Repair & Maintenance
Lockout Tagout Procedures

Cat® K Series Large Wheel Loader Operator Training

How to Operate a Tracked Skid Steer Loader | CTL Basic Controls Training
Fall Protection Bacics | ABCD’s, Demonstration, PFAS, Fall Restraint vs. Fall Arrest, and more.
What Not to do in a Wheel Loader | Heavy Equipment Operator

Operator Station and Controls

Program Updates for Ag Science Teachers

Teachers, use this sign-up form to receive timely updates from the TCA Feedyard Technician program.
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