UI Extension beef programs

Beef

University of Idaho addresses the needs of Idaho’s beef cattle industry through research and Extension activities that meet the needs of producers. Our diverse network of more than 30 teaching, research and Extension faculty are working at locations across the state of Idaho to solve critical issues concerning the beef industry.

The Nancy M. Cummings Research, Extension and Education Center is U of I’s primary cow-calf and forage research station. The center provides land and facilities for beef cattle research at the scale of a working ranch. Faculty at the center are investigating issues related to reproduction, cow-calf nutrition and forages.

Others are researching topics like meat quality, beef tenderness and palatability, animal nutrition, forages, grazing behavior and nutrition, breeding and genetics, and beef quality assurance.  

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Events and programs

University of Idaho Extension offers a wide range of programs, events and workshops focused on issues in the beef industry. To learn more about programs or training in your area, please contact your local UI Extension county office.

Beef 201: Beginning Rancher Development

University of Idaho Beginning Rancher Development program is designed to provide beginning ranchers with useful knowledge and resources to increase success in their operation. Learn more about the program and how you can participate.

Lost Rivers Grazing Academy

This four-day workshop is for livestock producers who want to increase their forage productivity, animal performance and income. Learn more about the program and how you can participate.

Young Cattle Producer Conference

The Idaho Young Cattle Producer Conference provides young cattle producers an opportunity to receive in-depth information on the cattle industry in Idaho. Learn more about the program and how you can participate.

Artificial Insemination

UI Extension offers artificial insemination training, usually in late winter or early spring. These trainings typically take three days. Contact your county office for more information.

Beef Quality Assurance

The BQA program assures consumers that beef marketed by a BQA certified producer is wholesome and safe. BQA standards are set by the Idaho BQA program and based on national standards. Contact Meranda Small or Sarah Baker for more information.

Beef Schools

Beef Schools are held in the winter throughout Idaho, and topics are determined by location to help beef producers. Contact your local county office for more information.

Steer-A-Year

In this program, participants donate a steer to the University of Idaho with the final proceeds going to animal science and athletics scholarships and beef research. Visit the Steer-A-Year website to learn more.

Youth Beef Camps

Youth Beef Camps are hands-on educational programs for FFA and 4-H youth. Camp topics vary from year to year. Contact the 4-H professional in your county to learn more.

Resources

The following links provide useful information on a variety of topics. In addition, Impacts on projects are reported annually by UI Extension educators. Browse the UI Extension publications catalog for more in-depth research.  

Cattle Producer's Handbook

The cattle producer’s handbook is prepared by the Western Beef Resource Committee, which consists of beef specialists, economists, range scientists, animal nutritionists, Extension educators and veterinarians from UI Extension and the cattle industry. Email yellowbook@uidaho.edu to order a copy of the handbook or fill out and return the order form.

Beef resources

• Bureau of Land Management — Idaho
• State Department of Agriculture
• Idaho Rangeland Resource Commission
• American Simmental Association
• CattleFax
• Idaho Beef Council
• Beef Improvement Federation
• National Agricultural Statistic Service
• Beef: It's What's For Dinner
• National Cattlemen's Beef Association

Forage resources

• Idaho Hay and Forage Association
• North American Alfalfa Improvement Conference
• The National Forage Testing Association
• National Alfalfa Alliance