By Scout Nelson
North Dakota State University’s Carrington Research Extension Center, in partnership with the North Dakota Angus Association, is organizing the North Dakota Angus University Feed-out program for 2026. The program gives cattle producers a chance to evaluate how their Angus-sired calves perform in a feedlot environment.
This marks the 15th year of the program, which continues to support producers by providing real data on cattle growth and carcass quality. “Feed-out projects like North Dakota Angus University are a great way for producers to learn more about their calves’ performance compared to other herds,” says Karl Hoppe.
Producers can enroll steers that are at least 50% Angus genetics and weigh between 900 and 1,100 pounds. These cattle will be delivered to the Carrington feedlot between May 26 and May 29, 2026. Participation requires producers to be members of the North Dakota Angus Association.
Participants are responsible for feeding, veterinary, and yardage costs. These costs are managed by the research center until the cattle are sold. After marketing, all expenses are deducted from the sale price without interest.
Throughout the program, producers receive regular progress reports showing how their calves are performing. At the end, a final report provides detailed information on performance, efficiency, and carcass traits. This helps producers make better decisions for future herd improvement.
Results from the 2025 program highlight strong performance. The feeding study lasted 133 days, with steers gaining an average of 4.14 pounds daily. The average live weight reached 1,484 pounds, and carcass weight averaged 932 pounds. Most cattle graded at high quality, with 97% reaching USDA Choice or better.
The program also offers incentives, with $1,500 in prizes awarded to the top three carcasses.
More information is available at ndsu.ag/NDAU-enroll-26.
For further information or to consign a group of cattle, contact Hoppe at 701‐652‐2951 or karl.hoppe@ndsu.edu,or Sydney Glasoe Caraballo, NDAA feed-out program chair, at 678-989-7189.
Overall, the feed-out program provides valuable insights and learning opportunities for cattle producers, helping them improve herd quality and profitability through better data and management practices.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-minchen-liang-eyeem
Categories: North Dakota, Livestock, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle