Cow Calf Education And Research Facility Dedication

South Dakota State University will host the Grand Opening of its state-of-the art Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility on Sept. 16 with tours starting at 5 pm, program and dedication at 6 pm, along with a chuck wagon BBQ and live entertainment. The unit is located at 2901 Western Avenue, two and a half miles northwest of the SDSU Animal Science Complex in Brookings, SD. The public is encouraged and welcome to attend this event.

The new unit features working cattle facilities that are designed for educational demonstrations highlighting proper cattle handling and treatment techniques. The main building includes an 80-seat classroom which will be utilized for student classes as well as producer meetings and industry events. Additional features include a double alley system, Silencer chute and Bud Box. The building also has a multi-use barn space with a center concrete drive and area for portable pens on either side.
 
“This new Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility will enable us to put our education in beef cattle production on the leading edge for decades,” says Daniel Scholl, Interim Dean of the College of Agriculture and Biological Sciences and Director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. “The capacity of this facility for teaching, research and Extension will lay the groundwork for many years of service to the beef cattle industry. Our desire is to always be the go-to location for beef cattle education and scientific research.”

A monoslope research building houses equipment that measures individual feed and water intake and allows for unique nutrition research studies. Replicated pastures on the site will be used to conduct grazing management research.

“We are so excited to finally show students, the public and the beef industry our new unit,” says Joe Cassady, SDSU Animal Science Department Head. “This unit enables our faculty and students to pursue their scholarly interests and do so with the best facilities in the country. This project would not have been possible without the dedicated efforts and generosity of our alumni and friends.”