2002 Beef Research Report

Livestock Research and Education 

his publication provides results and information on activities accomplished during the recent past in bison production.  Beef and bison research reports are published separately to provide information useful to producers in their operations to become more profitable and sustainable.  We hope some of the papers are of value to all. 

Beef Research

Beef cow/calf enterprises can utilize more crop residues and co-product feeds and be both biologically and economically sustainable.  Cows can add value to cropping system biomass and spread the risk of single enterprise farming.  Beef nutrition research includes “new” and “unusual” feeds balanced in diets for the genetic potential of the cows.  Similarly, value added concepts in the feedlot enterprise have been proven to be feasible when management and economies of scale are optimized.  The tremendous variety and quantity of feedgrains and processing co-products in the region insure competitive feed pricing for North Dakota feeders.

 Bison Research

There is a tremendous need for more information on the biology and economics of bison production.  The Bison Center of the Northern Plains will continue to contribute as resources allow.

 Waste Management

Waste management is a visible and restrictive program that affects all livestock producers.  Improving the environment of confined animals by stabilizing soil with fly ash, controlling runoff, irrigating with livestock runoff, and composting plant and animal biomass are areas of current and future focus.

 We hope the information in this publication is useful to you and leads to improved quality of life, financial reward, and “success” as a grower of food.  If you have questions or comments on past research, suggestions for future studies, or want to interact with one of us, please e-mail us at our individual addresses or call (701) 652-2951.  These proceedings are published at the Carrington Research Extension Center website at www.ag.nodak.edu/carringt/.