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44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy

With a limited class size and online coursework taught by internationally renowned Texas A&M faculty and guest lecturers, the 44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy, IBCA, is a certificate program that offers an exclusive and customized learning experience tailored to the educational and professional needs of each participant. As a participant, you will have access to emerging technologies in beef cattle reproduction, nutrition, genetics, health, and welfare related to all phases of beef production, including cutting-edge practices for the quality and safety of beef products.

At the completion of the IBCA, you will put your knowledge into practice through hands-on learning experiences at various locations in Texas and on the Texas A&M University College Station campus. Your program will conclude with a graduation ceremony held during the history-making Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course, attended by over 1,700 participants annually.

Advance your knowledge and become part of the Aggie community in global beef production by becoming a graduate of the International Beef Cattle Academy!

For more information, please do not hesitate to contact certificate administrators at ibca@tamu.edu. 

Applicants

Ideal academy students are enthusiastic and willing to advance their understanding by learning the most up to date and emerging information in the industry.

Here is a list of example students:

  • Advanced beef industry professionals
  • Technical services and marketing professionals
  • Graduate or Professional Students
  • Government officials
  • Breed association personnel

Scholarships that cover up to 70% of the tuition costs are available.

Plan A – Certificate Program

Minimum enrollment – six courses

  • Downpayment of $6,000.00 due one month before the start of the IBCA.
  • A payment of $1,000.00 per course will be due one month prior to the start of each of the six required courses.
  • Additional courses may be taken at a rate of $2,500.00 per course. Payment is due one month prior to the start of each course.
  • Total Investment: $12,000.00 – $16,500.00

Plan B – Certificate Program

Minimum enrollment – six courses

  • No downpayment.
  • A payment of $2,500.00 per course will be due two months prior to the start of each of the six required courses.
  • Additional courses may be taken at a rate of $2,500.00 per course. Payment is due one month prior to the start of each course.
  • Total Investment: $15,000.00 – $21,000.00

Plan C – Individual Courses

No minimum enrollment. – You will not be enrolled in the certificate program.

  • Downpayment of $3,500.00 per course will be due two months prior to the start of each course.
  • No guarantee of enrollment as priority will be given to students enrolled in the certificate program.

Experiential Learning and Graduation Ceremony at Texas A&M University

Minimum enrollment – six courses

  • Students are responsible for travel to and from College Station, Texas and any VISA requirements (if needed). The IBCA will provide an invitation letter for B1/B2 VISA applications.
  • Lodging, meals, and transportation expenses of students upon arrival in College Station are included in the certificate program registration.

Apply to the IBCA

Applications for the 2023-2024 class are now closed. More information about the 2024-2025 class will be available in late spring of 2024.

Course Description

44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy consists of seven online courses of approximately 30 hours each. The completion of six courses is required for certification.

Explore Course Material

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to go to College Station or another specific location to take the classes?

No. The IBCA is entirely offered online, except optional period of Experiential Learning, offered at the end of the course at Texas A&M campus in College Station, TX.

Is it required to participate in the Experiential Learning period in College Station?

No. This activity is optional, but highly encouraged because of the unique experience and one on one contact with instructors.

Is this course equivalent to an Animal Science or similar Bachelor’s Degree?

No. The IBCA is a Certification Program offered through AgriLife Extension.

 What is included in the tuition fees associated with the IBCA?

All the online course work, interactive sessions and all local expenses associated with experiential learning.

Do I have to take all the courses to get a Certificate?

No, there is a minimum of 6 courses to get the Certificate from the IBCA.

What are the prerequisites to apply to the IBCA?

There are no specific prerequisites. Previous background or experience with cattle or other livestock species is encouraged.

If I am an international student, do I have to take an English test (i.e. TOEFL) to apply to the IBCA?

An English test is not necessary, however, students must be able to understand English in order to be able to complete the course.

Does the course include Instructor – Student interaction time?

Yes. Every week Interactive Sessions are held to provide Instructor – Student interactions. Students are encouraged to participate, ask questions and bring their own day by day issues related to the cattle industry to the classroom environment. The Sessions are recorded and made available to all students. Interactions via emails or any other media are also encouraged.

Contact Us

For more information about the 44 Farms-Texas A&M International Beef Cattle Academy please email us at ibca@tamu.edu or contact the faculty below.

Reinaldo Cooke, Professor, Beef Cattle Production

Ky Pohler, Associate Professor, Beef Cattle Production

Alice Poggi Brandao, Instructional Assistant Professor, Beef Cattle Production

Sponsors

44 Farms

Sidney and Rawle “Buck” Thomason, Jr. 69 Endowment

Santa Gertrudis Breeders International

A member of
Texas A&M AgriLife

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Research | Texas A&M Forest Service | Texas A&M AgriLife Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Lab | College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

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