Polk, Sevier county extension offers beef cattle workshop, freeze branding demo
March 12, 2026
By Tracy Courage
University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Fast Facts
- Beef Cattle workshop April 2 in Polk County
- Topics: Forage production, heifer replacement evaluations
- Freeze branding demonstration
(291 words)
LITTLE ROCK — Cattle identification is essential for today’s ranchers and producers, and freeze branding is becoming a preferred method.
The Cooperative Extension Service will offer a freeze branding demonstration as part of a multicounty beef cattle workshop planned for April 2 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Triple S Ranch, 338 Polk Road 200, in Grannis, Arkansas.
Polk County Extension Agent Bryan Maye will discuss how to improve forages, and Ally Grote, extension beef specialist with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, will discuss how to evaluate replacement heifers and use Expected Progeny Differences (EPD), a tool used to gauge and improve beef cattle genetics.
Sevier County Extension agent Rex Herring will lead a hands-on demonstration of freeze branding techniques.
“It’s more important than ever to have your cattle identified, especially for what they’re worth,” Herring said. “If you put something permanent on them like a ranch brand, it will help deter theft.”
Herring said cattle producers have shown more interest in freeze branding for its benefits over fire branding.
“Fire branding is immediate, but with freeze branding, there is no damage to the animal’s hide. The negative is that it just takes a little longer.”
The process starts with clipping the animal’s hair and cleaning the skin. Brass irons are used to apply liquid nitrogen or a combination of alcohol and dry ice.
“If it’s done right, the process kills the pigmentation in the hair follicles, so that the hair grows back white.”
The workshop includes dinner provided by Farm Credit of Western Arkansas. There is no cost, but attendees are asked to RSVP for the meal count by calling Rex Herring at 870-584-3013 or Bryan Maye at 479-394-6018.
Find more trainings and information on extension’s Beef Production in Arkansas webpage.
To learn about extension programs in Arkansas, contact your local Cooperative Extension Service agent or visit uaex.uada.edu. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. To learn more about the Division of Agriculture, visit uada.edu. To learn more about ag and food research in Arkansas, visit the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station at aaes.uada.edu.
About the Division of Agriculture
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture’s mission is to strengthen agriculture, communities, and families by connecting trusted research to the adoption of best practices. Through the Agricultural Experiment Station and the Cooperative Extension Service, the Division of Agriculture conducts research and extension work within the nation’s historic land grant education system.
The Division of Agriculture is one of 20 entities within the University of Arkansas System. It has offices in all 75 counties in Arkansas and faculty on three campuses.
The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is an equal opportunity institution. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate or need materials in another format, call the Polk County Extension Office at 479-394-6018 as soon as possible. Dial 711 for Arkansas Relay.
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Media Contact: Tracy Courage
Director of Communications-Extension
U of A System Division of Agriculture
501-658-2044