SDSU Extension Accepting Applications for beefSD

SDSU Extension is now accepting applications for beefSD Class 3. BeefSD is an intensive 2-year educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef production.

Participation in beefSD is an excellent opportunity for beginning producers to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the beef industry and develop the skills needed to be successful.

The program is open to people with 10 years or less management experience in beef production. If someone is not currently involved in beef production, they must possess a strong desire to be involved in beef production in the future. SDSU Extension will be accepting up to 30 operations into the program.  Couples, siblings or other closely related family members are encouraged to apply as an operation with up to 2 people representing an operation.

SDSU Extension received at grant from the USDA Beginning Farmer Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) to provide this educational opportunity for beginning beef producers across South Dakota. Beyond the support of the grant from USDA BFRDP, there are several South Dakota partners who are making this class possible. Partners include South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, South Dakota Farmer’s Union, First Bank and Trust of Canton, Dacotah Bank of Faulkton, First Interstate Bank of Wall and Farm Credit Services of America.

The beefSD program consists of 6 main components spread over the 2-year period:

1.    Interactive Workshops

2.    Case studies of successful beef cattle enterprises

3.    Post-weaning calf performance evaluation

4.    Web-based interaction

5.    Two out of state travel study trips

6.  Mentoring by established beef producers and other agriculture professionals

Past participants in the class have found great value in beefSD and encourage others to take advantage of the opportunity to learn more about the industry and the value of networking. A participant from Class 2 stated the following: “I’m not afraid to reach out to someone if I have a question about something. I really think that networking is one of the most important tools you can have and it costs you nothing to make new friends and acquaintances. Sometimes, it really is “who you know, not what you know”, because the “who” that you know may have the answers you need. And knowing where to look and who to ask is a huge first step in finding what you want to know.”.

Detailed information and the application forms are available on the South Dakota Farm Bureau website at www.sdfbf.org and must be completed and submitted by July 15, 2016.

For questions or more information about the program, contact Ken Olson at 605-394-2236 or   Kenneth.olson@sdstate.edu or Stacy Hadrick at 605-374-1195 or stacy.hadrick@sdstate.edu.