On Tuesday, January 15, the Chinook Chapter of the FFA will be hosting a stockmanship clinic with stockmanship expert Tom Curtin. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. at the Commercial Building at the Blaine County Fairgrounds located at 300 Cleveland Road West in Chinook.

Curtin has over 20 years of experience teaching livestock handling clinics and enjoys helping others learn about something he is very passionate about. He considers himself fortunate to have worked with some of the most famous ranches of the west.

According to his website, Curtin is one of those uncommon people who has earned the right to be described as a stockman because "he lives to share his knowledge and God-given talent with those who want to learn from him."

Those who own a small cow/calf operation, a large feedlot company, or just have an interest in stockmanship are encouraged to attend the clinic. Although the event is free and open to the public, those wishing to participate should RSVP through the event's Facebook page or register by visiting https://peltonlivestock.eventbrite.com.

The clinic will focus on classroom topics, including gathering, grazing, sorting, processing, loading, treating and moving cattle in an effective manner. Curtin will also address both major and finer points to calm cattle while working them in corrals. These techniques not only ease the animals' flow to the chute but ease stress on both animals and people while sorting in an alley. The event will finish with a live demonstration.

Those attending will also have the opportunity to obtain Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Certification. BQA is a national program that provides guidelines for beef cattle production, making sure that beef is safe and wholesome for consumers. BQA Certification also raises consumer confidence by offering proper management techniques and a commitment to quality within every segment of the beef industry. Producers can help maintain this standard by becoming BQA certified.

Curtin's Clinic is sponsored by the Montana Beef Council, Shipwheel Cattle Company, Cross Creek Trading Company, First Bank of Montana, Chinook Area Chamber of Commerce, and Pelton Livestock Marketing & Consulting.

Those with questions or seeking more information can contact Larry Surber by calling 406-390-1803 or by emailing larry@crosscreektrading.com.