SDSU Extension co-hosting Cattlemen’s Education Day

BROOKINGS, S.D. – South Dakota State University Extension, in partnership with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, is hosting Cattlemen’s Education Day on Feb. 19, 2026.

Beef producers and industry professionals will hear the latest information on carcass grading, implant use, risk management and using soybeans in cattle diets.

The free event is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST on the SDSU campus in Brookings and will start at the SDSU Animal Science Complex. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. To register, visit the South Dakota Cattlemen's website or the SDSU Extension Events page and search “cattlemen”.

Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist, will talk about recent research using heat-treated soybeans as a supplemental source of protein in feed as a partial substitute for distiller’s grains.

“We think it’s some pretty significant news, and we’re excited about getting it in front of our Cattlemen’s Education Day audience,” Rusche said.

SDSU Extension has done three studies looking at heat-treated soybeans. Rusche said the most recent study shows using it as a partial replacement can increase carcass weights by 20 to 30 pounds, increasing a cattle producer’s net profits. It also opens new possibilities for the soybean market.

“What we’re always working toward is trying to find solutions for the citizens of South Dakota, things that solve real problems and help cattle producers. This kind of research does exactly that,” Rusche said. “All things put together, we’re doing things that add value to the South Dakota economy.”

Other presentations will include Christina Bakker, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist, who will talk about carcass quality and grading, followed by a tour of the SDSU Meat Lab. Zachary Smith, associate professor of Animal Science, will provide updates on implant use and what that means for cattle producers. The afternoon will conclude with an open discussion session.

The cattle market update with Matt Diersen, Griffith Endowed Professor and SDSU Extension Risk and Business Management Specialist, will be livestreamed at 2 p.m. as part of the Cattle HQ Live webinar.

The event is held in partnership with the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association and sponsored by the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff and Merck Animal Health.

For more information, contact Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist.