beefSD is an intensive educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef enterprise management. Participation in the beefSD program is an excellent opportunity for producers to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the beef industry and develop the skills needed to be successful beef business managers.
New for class 7
- Now accepting all beef producers who are willing to consider adopting new management opportunities.
- A focus on precision livestock technologies for beef producers has been added to the curriculum.
Program Overview
- Applicants must complete and submit the application by August 26, 2024.
- Participation is limited. Up to 20 operations will be selected based on the application and a Zoom interview. Husbands and wives, siblings, or direct family members are encouraged to apply as an operation.
- Participants not currently involved in the beef industry must possess a strong desire to manage a beef enterprise in the future.
- Participants will make a two-year commitment to the program and will take an active role in all program components. If more than one individual per operation is accepted, both individuals must participate in all meetings and activities.
- Please note children are not allowed at meetings.
- The participant registration fee is $1,500 per person, which is a portion of the total cost of the program ($8,200 per person). The program is funded through grants, gifts, and registration fees. Registration will be due upon acceptance into the program (payment can be made in installments if needed). Participants are encouraged to request sponsorship from local businesses (e.g., banks) or organizations to cover a portion of the registration fee.
- Workshops and other activities will take place throughout the state. Participants will provide their own transportation to in-state events. Other expenses associated with the meeting (motels and meals) will be covered by beefSD.
There are three major components of the beefSD program:
- Face-to-Face Workshops and Interactive Webinars
- You are required to have a computer with high-speed internet access and may be asked to bring a laptop to class.
- Networking and Mentoring
- Out-of-State Learning Experiences
Tentative Timeline
- November 2024 – Kick-off Meeting
- Network and develop relationships with other participants
- Establish baseline understanding of precision livestock technologies and climate-smart practices
- February 2025 – Adding Value Workshop
- Discuss marketing options with precision technologies and climate-smart practices
- Explore revenue generators and opportunities for cost-effective production
- April 2025 – 2-Day Workshop on Adaptive Management
- Case study: Discuss advanced management tools and technologies and give tour of producer’s facility
- Increase awareness of risk management strategies
- July 2025 – 2-Day Workshop on Retained Ownership
- Case study: Demonstrate data flow from conception through breeding or consumption and give tour of producer’s facility
- Explore opportunities with the beef enterprise
- November 2025 – 2-Day Workshop on Technology Management
- Discuss the transition of beef enterprises between generations
- Explore precision feeding strategies and equipment and use of growth-enhancing technologies
-
February 2026 – Out-of-State Trip
- Explore current and emerging precision technologies in beef industry to enhance beef enterprise management
- Illustrate participant impact on beef supply chain, alternative product markets, and consumer awareness and expectations
- May 2026 – 3-Day Workshop on Range Management
- Discuss precision management technologies and climate-smart tools in grazing animals in rangeland setting
- July 2026 – 2-Day Workshop on Seedstock Management
- Case study: Discuss reproductive technologies in beef industry and give tour of producer’s facility
- September 2026 – 2-Day Workshop on Conservation Practices
- Case study: Discuss management of grazing animals and impact on rangeland ecosystems and give tour of producer’s facility
Application Process
The application window for beefSD Class 7 has closed. Applications will open for the next class in July of 2025.
If you have questions, please contact Erin DeHaan, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist; Krista Ehlert, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Range Specialist; Stacy Hadrick, SDSU Extension beefSD Coordinator; or Logan Vandermark, SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field Specialist.
