NDSU Plans Beef Education Event for Youth

By Scout Nelson

North Dakota State University Extension is preparing to host the Junior Beef Producers Workshop on June 9 at the Carrington Research Extension Center in Carrington, North Dakota. The event is designed to give young participants practical learning experiences connected to the beef industry and livestock production.

The workshop welcomes youth between the ages of 10 and 16 and provides a full day of educational activities focused on cattle care, beef production, and agriculture careers. Organizers explain that participants will gain hands-on experience while learning how beef moves through the production process from pasture to the dinner table.

“This workshop is all about getting to try things for yourself,” says Jeff Gale, NDSU Extension agent in Foster County. “If you want to work with cattle and see how beef is raised, processed and prepared for the table, you’re going to enjoy this fun event.”

Throughout the day, youth participants will join several hands-on sessions covering important areas of beef production. Activities include learning about animal health, cattle nutrition, calving procedures, and safe animal handling methods. Participants also will practice evaluating cattle body condition and collecting hay samples at the Carrington Research Extension Center Livestock Unit.

The workshop includes food preparation activities during lunch, where students prepare their own meal while learning basic grilling skills. Organizers say this activity helps participants better understand beef preparation and food handling.

In the afternoon, attendees will visit a local meat processing facility to learn more about beef processing and meat production. The tour gives students a broader understanding of the beef industry and introduces them to possible career opportunities in agriculture and food production.

The registration fee for the workshop is $20 per participant. The fee covers lunch and workshop materials. Registration is required so, organizers can prepare supplies and meals for all attendees.

The Carrington Research Extension Center is located at 663 Highway 281 North in Carrington. Additional information and registration details are available through NDSU Extension.

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