By Scout Nelson
South Dakota State University Extension, working with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, is hosting Cattlemen’s Education Day on Feb. 19, 2026. The event will bring beef producers and industry professionals together to learn about current research, management practices, and market updates that support cattle operations.
The free program runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST on the SDSU campus in Brookings and begins at the SDSU Animal Science Complex. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Producers can register through the South Dakota Cattlemen’s website or the SDSU Extension Events page by searching “cattlemen.”
Topics during the day include carcass grading, implant use, risk management, and new ways to use soybeans in cattle diets. These sessions are designed to provide clear, useful information that producers can apply to their own operations.
Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist, will talk about recent research on heat treated soybeans used as a protein source to replace part of distiller’s grains in cattle feed.
“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 completed three studies on heat treated soybeans. Rusche explained the latest study shows this feed option can raise carcass weights by 20 to 30 pounds, which may improve net profits for cattle producers. The research also creates new opportunities for soybean growers in the state.
“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 speakers include Christina Bakker, SDSU Extension Meat Science Specialist, who will cover carcass quality, and grading, followed by a tour of the SDSU Meat Lab. Zachary Smith, associate professor of Animal Science, will share updates on implant use. The afternoon will end with an open discussion session.
A cattle market update by Matt Diersen will be livestreamed at 2 p.m. as part of the Cattle HQ Live webinar. Sponsors include the South Dakota Soybean Checkoff and Merck Animal Health.
For more information, email warren.rusche@sdstate.edu, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artistgndphotography
Categories: South Dakota, Crops, Soybeans, Livestock, Beef Cattle