Area Beef producers are invited to join N.C. Cooperative Extension for Cow Camp 103: Back to the Basics, Wednesdays, February 18 and March 11, from 4:00 - 8:30 p.m., at the Franklin County Center Annex, 103 S. Bickett Blvd., Louisburg, for a winter learning series that will include discussions about beef cattle production.
Join two of N.C. Cooperative Extension's livestock agents with over 60 years experience in the beef cattle industry in N.C. and over 53 years experience as livestock agents; Martha L. Mobley, Franklin County Ag Agent, and Paul Gonzalez, Sampson County Ag Agent, joke that their cattle farms are "experiment stations," as they usually try something out before it is recommended to regional producers.
In their spare time, Paul's family breeds and raises premier polled fullblood Salers cattle. Martha's family has produced quality commercial cattle, Black Angus x Simmental, either for direct marketing to the consumer, video stocker sales, or breeding stock. Both have in-depth knowledge of various aspects of marketing cattle, either individually or in truckload lots.
Registration is required, register at the below links. Registration fee of $35 each session includes a beef dinner.
Flyer
Meeting 1- Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Topics
- Part 1: Basic Infrastructure for Beef Production
- Part 2: Reproductive Management for Beef Cattle Part 3: Managing Health and Animal Welfare for Beef Cattle
- Part 3: Managing Health and Animal Welfare for Beef Cattle
Register online at below link or Scan Code to register (Register by Feb. 16th).
go.ncsu.edu/smallfarmbootcamppart1
Meeting 2 -Wednesday, March 11, 2026
Topics
- Part 4: Basics of Nutrition for Beef Cattle
- Part 5: Forage Systems for Beef Cattle
- Part 6: Genetics for Beef Cattle
- Part 7: Direct Marketing Your Beef: In's and Out's
Register Online at below link or Scan Code to register (Register by March 9).
go.ncsu.edu/smallfarmbootcamppart2
ADDED Certification: BEEF Quality Assurance
(BQA) Certification Training & Exam (Gonzalez & Mobley)
The cost to become certified (if you pass the written exam at the conclusion),will be $60 if you are a current paid member of the NC Cattlemen’s Association, or $85 if you are a non-member. This fee includes training materials, and a metal farm sign.
Upcoming BEEF Cattle Events
- Hands-on BEEF Cattle FREEZE Branding Demonstration at the Meadow Lane Farm; Date TBA
- The popular historic 5-County BEEF TOUR (3 farms): Tuesday, June 16th, 2026 (rain date: June 18th)
These events will conclude the Cow Camp Beef Series.
For additional information, contact the Franklin County Extension office, 919-496-3344, Ag Agent Martha Mobley.
