SDSU, NDSU Extension Hosting Beef Cattle Feeding Programs

SDSU Extension is partnering with North Dakota State University Extension to host informational programs for beef cattle producers. 

The Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium is designed to help farmers and ranchers navigate the rising costs of the pastures and forages used to feed beef cattle. There will be two in-person events – one in each host state – and one virtual event via Zoom.

As feed costs rise, it puts additional cost pressures on cattle producers. Experts from SDSU Extension, NDSU Extension and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will provide up-to-date research, information and strategies to producers.  

There will be presentations on strategies to replace forages, creep-feeding calves in confinement systems, grazing strategies that increase adaptability, and comparing the tradeoffs of alternative cow-calf systems with pasture-based systems. 

“It is no secret that pasture and forage costs have increased substantially in recent years,” said Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist. “The Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium is part of a multi-state research and outreach effort to help beef producers make more informed decisions regarding management options to provide feed resources to their cowherd.”

South Dakota’s in-person event is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 6, 2024, at the Huron Event Center in Huron. North Dakota’s is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 7 at the Jamestown Civic Center in Jamestown, North Dakota. The virtual option will also be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 7 via Zoom. 

Registration is required by Feb. 5 and is $25 per person. Participants will also receive a link to a recording of the symposium. To register, visit the SDSU Extension Events page and search “symposium”.