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 [email protected].

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

Enrollment of all courses

Down payment of $6,400 due one month before the start of the IBCA.
Payment of $800 one month before each module starts.
Includes Experiential Learning and Graduation Ceremony
Total Investment: $12,000

Plan B – Certificate Program

Enrollment of all courses

No down payment.
Payment of $2,000 two months before each module starts.
Includes Experiential Learning and Graduation Ceremony
Total Investment: $14,000

Plan C – Individual Courses

No certificate

Payment of $3,000 per module three months before module starts.

Experiential Learning and Graduation Ceremony at Texas A&M University

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

If you are ready to grow your knowledge of the global beef industry, consider applying to the next IBCA class. Applications for the 2025-2026 class will open in the summer of 2025.

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 [email protected] or [email protected] or contact the following:

Ky Pohler, Associate Professor, Beef Cattle Production

Odile Polanco Jimenez, Graduate Research Assistant