By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center will host its annual NDSU Feedlot School on January 21-22, 2026. This two-day program is designed for cattle producers, feeders, backgrounders, feed industry workers, animal health suppliers, and anyone wanting to learn more about feedlot operations.
The school helps participants strengthen skills in nutrition, health, equipment use, marketing, and everyday management.
According to NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist Karl Hoppe, cattle feeding is a competitive business, and long-term success comes from doing many things correctly.
The Feedlot School gives producers the tools they need to improve their systems, from feed bunk management to business planning and marketing strategies. Hoppe notes that the experts who teach at the school continue to support participants long after the training ends.
The 2026 Feedlot School will cover a wide range of topics important to cattle feeders. These include why cattle feeding works well in North Dakota, feedlot facility design, equipment choices, budgets for feeding scenarios, cattle nutrition, Beef Quality Assurance, implants, financing, feed additives, ration formulation, and feed nutrient testing.
Health topics such as diseases, treatments, and facility management are also included. Additional lessons will focus on bunk reading, manure management, livestock market outlooks, price protection tools, alternative market programs, and marketing on the grid.
Participants will also take part in two tours: one at a commercial feedlot and another at the Carrington Research Extension Center’s livestock units. Instructors include NDSU faculty from Animal Sciences, Agribusiness and Applied Economics, multiple Research Extension Centers, the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association, and other experts with strong feedlot experience.
Registration costs $225 per person and includes meals. Lodging is not included, and participants must arrange their own stay at nearby hotels such as the Chieftain Conference Center, Carrington Inn and Suites, or Cobblestone Inn. Registration is open until January 5 at ndsu.ag/CRECfeedlot26.
For questions or future updates, individuals may contact Karl Hoppe at 701-652-2951 or karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu. The Carrington Research Extension Center is located 3.5 miles north of Carrington on U.S. Highway 281.
Photo Credit: north-dakota-state-university
Categories: North Dakota, Business, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle