Research focus is primarily on nutrition and management. Two very different production systems (drylot vs. native pasture) are being compared for economics, biological production and integration with cropping systems. A wide variety of feedstuffs, some unique to North Dakota, have been evaluated, including aftermath grazing, crop residue, annual forages, silages, grain, and several different co-products. Mineral requirements and mineral supplementation for beef cows is being studied. Creep feeding and management of drylot and pasture raised calves before and after weaning is compared. Vertical integration of cow/calf enterprise through finishing feedlot production is evaluated with carcass data included. We have evaluated several different breeds crossed with a Red Angus base cow herd in the past several years.
Following are links to NDSU Extension publications and links to specific articles related to cow/calf production.
2016 North Dakota Beef Report
2015 Beef Cattle and Range Research Report
Alternative Feeds for Ruminants
Combined Feed Value and Protein and Energy Calculator
Drylot Beef Cow/Calf Production
Field Pea Grain for Beef Cattle
Harvesting, Storing and Feeding Corn as Earlage
Harvesting, Storing and Feeding High-Moisture Corn
Low-stress Cattle Working Facilities
Low-stress Cattle Working Facilities Video
Winter Management of the Beef Cow Herd
Feedlot Research Top of Page