SDSU Extension Supports Beef Performance Goals

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension has opened registration for the 2025–2026 Calf Value Discovery Program, a hands-on opportunity designed to help beef producers improve herd performance and profitability.

According to Julie Walker, SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, the program provides valuable feedback that helps producers align their management goals with actual results.

“All producers have a target or end goal they want for their calves, but if they sell them at weaning, they don’t always know if they’re meeting that goal,” Walker said. “I think one of the biggest things this program does is allows producers to see if they’re meeting that goal so they can then make management decisions based on what they learn.”

To participate, producers must consign at least five steer calves weighing between 500 and 800 pounds, at a cost of $20 per head.

Registration closes on October 20, 2025, and interested participants can register through the SDSU Extension Calf Value Discovery Program webpage.

Consigned cattle will be fed in an accelerated finishing program at Vander Wal Yards in Bruce, South Dakota.

SDSU staff will monitor and weigh the cattle regularly, providing performance updates to producers. The cattle will be sold in truckload lots beginning May 2026, using a grid-based pricing system.

All calves must arrive dehorned, castrated, and fully healed before delivery. Required vaccinations include:

• Two doses of a killed five-way viral vaccine or one dose of a modified live vaccine.
• One dose of Mannheimia haemolytica vaccine.
• Two doses of a seven-way Clostridial vaccine.

Producers should consult veterinarians for proper vaccination schedules. Calves may be delivered to the Cottonwood Research Station or Vander Wal Yards on November 4–5, 2025, during the designated hours.

For more details, producers can contact Julie Walker, SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, or Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-pamwalker68