By Scout Nelson
The 28th Annual Dakota Feeder Calf Show and Feedout is scheduled for October 17, 2026, in Turtle Lake, North Dakota. The event provides cattle producers with an opportunity to learn more about the performance and profitability of their calves after they leave the ranch.
The program focuses on feeder calves weighing between 500 and 700 pounds. Producers deliver their steer calves to the Turtle Lake Weigh Station before the event begins. Each producer may enter one or two groups containing three or four calves. After arrival, the calves are evaluated and exhibited before they are transported to the North Dakota State University Carrington Research Extension Center feedlot.
At the feedlot, the calves remain in a controlled feeding trial until they reach market weight. During this period, researchers and project staff collect important information about growth, feed efficiency, feeding costs, and overall performance. This allows producers to better understand how their cattle perform during the finishing phase of production.
The event serves as an educational program through a partnership between the NDSU Extension and the Carrington Research Extension Center. The project gives producers experience with retained ownership, helping them see what happens to cattle beyond the traditional cow-calf stage.
Data from the previous feedout project shows the value of this learning opportunity. During the 2025-2026 feeding period, calves gained an average of 826 pounds over 263 days. The average finished sale weight reached 1,450 pounds. Feeding costs averaged $1.08 per pound of gain, while the market weight break-even value was $261.77 per hundredweight.
Results from the previous project also showed significant differences in profitability among participating herds. The difference in net return between the average of the top five and bottom five herds was more than $338 per head. The difference between the highest- and lowest-performing herd exceeded $617 per head.
These results demonstrate how management decisions, genetics, feed efficiency, and animal performance can influence financial outcomes. By reviewing detailed feedlot and carcass information, producers gain useful knowledge that may help improve future herd management decisions.
Throughout the feedout trial, project staff continue collecting performance records and feeding expense information. Once the cattle are marketed, producers receive reports covering carcass weight, meat quality, feeding costs, and animal value. This information helps participants evaluate strengths and areas for improvement within their operations.
Animal health is also an important part of the program. Participating calves should receive vaccinations that help protect against common cattle diseases. Booster vaccinations are administered when calves arrive at the show to support animal health throughout the feeding period.
In addition to the livestock activities, Turtle Lake plans a full day of community events. Visitors can enjoy a free community lunch, a sale calf auction, prize raffles, a Brisket Battle competition, and entertainment by the Strasburg Superstar, Mylo Hatzenbuhler. These activities help make the event welcoming for producers, families, and community members.
Participants are required to pay an entry fee of $20 per calf. At the conclusion of the feeding trial, officials present awards recognizing producer achievement and cattle performance.
Photo Credit: istock-simplycreativephotography
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle