Research and Extension activities in livestock production
Livestock projects at the Carrington Research Extension Center are designed to be of
direct benefit to the beef, bison, and aquaculture producers throughout the state and
region. The research and educational efforts in these diverse program areas are
accomplished in response to present needs and visionary concepts of future meat
production. This publication provides results and information on activities accomplished
during the recent past.
Welcome Scott Birchall, Extension Livestock Waste Specialist. Scott will be working
closely with individual producers to develop environmentally sound waste management plans
that meet state regulations. Also welcome to Shawn Sanders, Aquaculture Research
Specialist. Shawn is working on nutritional studies using North Dakota feedstuffs for
tilapia. We also welcome Steve Metzger, Farm Business Management Instructor, who moved his
office into the Research Extension Center from Carrington High School. Steve works with
many individual producers to analyze enterprises, including livestock, as part of the
business analysis of the whole farm.
Areas of livestock effort
Beef cow/calf production with alternative management systems and non-traditional
feeds shows tremendous potential to add value to cropping system biomass, spread the risk
of single enterprise farming, and contribute to sustainable farming both biologically and
economically. As a cow/calf state, combining feeds and cows with proper management is
central the this Center's effort. Similarly, value added concepts in beef feeding have
been proven to be feasible when management and economies of scale are optimized. The
tremendous variety and quantity of feedgrains and processing co-products in the region
generally insure competitive feedstuff pricing for North Dakota stockmen but requires
careful procurement of feedstuffs and management of the cattle.
The bison industry is flourishing and deserves legitimate research effort. Producer input
to the North Dakota legislature in 1997 resulted in an appropriation for initiation of a
bison research facility. Grants supplement the appropriated funds for construction. The
bison research program will focus on nutrition of bulls from weaning to market and
companion studies will be conducted at opportunity.
Waste management is becoming increasingly visible and restrictive for all livestock
producers. All of us are interested in protecting the surface and ground water resources
and reducing point source pollution. This new grant funded program will provide a
methodical approach for producers to meet regulatory constraints using practical
solutions.
Fish consumption is increasing rapidly in the US. Reduced wild ocean catches suggest fish
farming will be increasing. North Dakota has many of the basic requirements for successful
indoor recirculating aquaculture; good quality water, abundant high protein feedstuffs,
heat in the form of coal, and innovative and adaptive farmers. The aquaculture research
program will contribute substantially to the body of knowledge on efficient fish
production.
We hope the information in this publication is useful to you and leads to improved
quality of life or "success" as a grower of food for an increasing world
population. If you have questions or comments, please call one of us at (701) 652-2951.
Shawn Sanders, B.S.
Aquaculture Research Specialist
Scott Birchall, M.S.
Extension Waste Mgmt. Specialist
Karl Hoppe, Ph.D
Extension Livestock Specialist
Vern Anderson, Ph.D.
Animal Scientist
Acknowledgments
Our appreciation is expressed to the following for cooperation, contributions, and support
of beef and bison studies at the Carrington Research Extension Center during the recent
past.
Trade names and companies used are for clear communication. No endorsement is intended nor criticism implied of products not mentioned.