July 6, 2001

Opportunities in Beef Partnerships a Highlight of NDSU Field Day in Carrington

Partnerships among beef producers to feed cattle in North Dakota are helping those producers expand their income potential with limited risk, according to a North Dakota State University livestock specialist.

"To expand income in the beef business often requires some creative ideas," says Karl Hoppe of NDSU’s Carrington Research Extension Center. "One idea that seems to be working well is using partnerships to feed cattle."

Hoppe says the partnerships allow participants to gain economies of scale and open new purchasing and marketing opportunities. Limited liability partnerships and the ability to feed and sell cattle year-round help limit risk.

"Cattle producers and owners don’t need to be feedlot owners in these partnerships," Hoppe says. "The partnerships allow the partners to focus on what they do best, whether that’s owning the feedyard or equipment, or producing the cattle."

Hoppe will be discussing the potential for expanded partnerships in beef production and feeding at the annual Carrington Research Extension Center field day Thursday, July 19.

Other developments in beef and bison production and research will be highlighted during the livestock tour beginning at 9:30 a.m. Topics will include:

• Bison research conducted at the center will be discussed by NDSU animal scientist Vern Anderson.
• The economics of bison production and beef backgrounding will be reviewed by Steve Metzger, Carrington farm business management instructor.
• Highlights from research on the use of fly ash for feedlot surfaces will be outlined by Deb Hassette, a researcher at the Energy and Environmental Research Center at the University of North Dakota.
• Research on feeding potato waste will be reviewed by NDSU research specialist Erick Bock.
• Results of research on the feed value of field peas will be discussed by Anderson. He will also review research on feeding cake made with crambe meal to cows.
• Studies on compensatory diets for heifers and subsequent effects on lactation will be discussed by Manny Encinias, a research assistant in the NDSU animal and range sciences department.
• An afternoon walking tour of the livestock facilities with a discussion of designs for controlling and using livestock waste will be led by Charles Linderman, NDSU Extension livestock waste management specialist.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is located 3.5 miles north of Carrington, on Highway 281. In addition to the livestock tour, crop management tours and other events will also be features of the day. Morning sessions will begin at 9 am while the afternoon sessions will begin at 1 p.m. A sponsored noon lunch will be served.

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Source: Karl Hoppe, (701) 652-2951, khoppe@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Tom Jirik, (701) 231-9629, tjirik@ndsuext.nodak.edu

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