BROOKINGS, SD – Since its inception in 2011, the beefSD program has provided intensive educational content that takes participants to the next level in beef enterprise management.
Participation in the program is an opportunity for beginning beef producers to increase knowledge and understanding of all aspects of the industry and develop the skills needed to be successful beef business managers.
Ken Olson, SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, explains the impact the program can have on an operation. “Ninety percent of alumni indicated their current financial situation has improved because of beefSD,” Olson said. “Nearly 70% have increased production acres, and 88% have made changes or improvements to their natural resource management.”
The beefSD program involves four main components over the course of two years: face-to-face workshops and interactive webinars, networking and mentoring, ranch-to-rail evaluation and out-of-state learning experiences. Workshops will take place throughout the state.
A maximum of 20 operations will be selected for the program based on an application and a webinar interview. It is strongly encouraged that spouses, siblings or direct family members apply as one operation.
Applications for Class 5 will be accepted through September 9. The class is scheduled to begin October 2020 and will end August 2022.
If interested in applying, contact Dr. Ken Olson at [email protected], Dr. Krista Ehlert at [email protected] or call 605-394-2236 for an application.
