Kansas State University

Cow-Calf Unit

MISSION STATEMENT

The Kansas State University Cow-Calf Unit strives:

• to provide meaningful applied research and timely extension programs to the beef producers of Kansas and the Great Plains
• to provide cutting-edge instruction to undergraduate and graduate students at Kansas State University

GOALS

Our goal is to be the best university Cow-Calf facility in the world through optimum productivity and maximal relevance in research, teaching, and extension. We aim to be:

• an asset to the beef industry – producers in particular
• highly valued by society – students in particular

RESOURCES

The Kansas State University Cow-Calf Unit herd consists of approximately 325 commercial cows, 80 heifers, and 15 breeding bulls. Our nutrition program is based on native tallgrass forage; we work each year for an 11- to 12-month grazing season. We currently operate on approximately 2,000 deeded acres and 3,000 rented acres of native tallgrass range.

RESEARCH AREAS

• Nutritional management of cattle grazing native tallgrass range
• Production cycle management including calving, breeding, and weaning
• Effects of calfhood nutritional and health management on carcass quality and value
• Factors influencing grazing distribution