August 31, 2020

Joint US study to map movements of beef cattle in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota (US) and Minnesota Beef Council are working together on an overview study that maps the birth-to-finish movements of beef cattle in Minnesota, the United States.  

The study will provide a foundational overview by documenting and describing the farm-to-feedlot pathways currently utilised by state beef producers.

"Our team needs producer knowledge and experience in answering survey questions pertaining to management practices and the movement of cattle," said Dr. Joe Armstrong, DVM, cattle production systems and educator for University of Minnesota Extension. "We want to gather knowledge from Minnesota producers so we can better serve them by tailoring research specific to Minnesota needs."

The survey is the first step in a bigger effort involving a collaboration between the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Minnesota Beef Council and University of Minnesota Extension. The research team is led by Dr. Noelle Noyes with support from Dr. Tim Goldsmith, Dr. Luciano Caixeta, Armstrong and veterinary students Sabina Ponicki and Kaylan Risacher.

"We are all excited to start a project that is specific to cattle production in Minnesota and hope producers are willing to give a few minutes of their time to take the survey," Armstrong said. "We are striving to use research to provide recommendations that fit the Minnesota cattle industry, not extrapolate from research done in other systems."

- Austin Daily Herald