Feedlot Bootcamp

2027 Feedlot Management Boot Camp

The 2027 Feedlot Management Boot Camp will be held January 11-14, 2027, in the Garden City, Kansas area. An informational session will be held on Thursday, October 1st @ 5:30 pm in Weber 2037. Dinner will be provided.

Application Deadline: October 10, 2026
Apply Here: https://kstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8jq9C7vqbw0exV4

May 2027 graduates are encouraged to apply.

Questions? Contact:
Dr. Rebecca McDermott
Department of Animal Sciences and Industry
Kansas State University
126 Call Hall
Email: rmcdermott@ksu.edu

activity at Feedlot Bootcamp

Program Overview

Up to 20 undergraduate students will be selected to participate in this immersive, hands-on feedlot management experience designed to develop the next generation of beef industry professionals.

Thanks to support from industry partners, this opportunity is all-expense paid (NO COST TO STUDENTS). Transportation, lodging, meals, and educational materials are all provided at no cost.

The Feedlot Management Boot Camp combines classroom instruction, hands-on training, and networking opportunities to help students build knowledge, practical skills, and professional connections within the feedlot industry.

Program Goal

develop student’s knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management in order to help meet critical need for trained professionals in the feedlot industry

Learning Objectives

Participants will:

  • Gain hands-on training in major areas of feedlot management through a comprehensive 4-day Boot Camp.
  • Enhance student’s likelihood of participating in a feedlot internship experiences
  • Cultivate student’s vision of potential career paths within the beef cattle industry

Hands-On Industry Experience

Students will learn directly from professionals at leading western Kansas feedlot operations, including:

  • Reeve Cattle Company, Inc.
  • Poky Feeders
  • Finney County Feedyard

Students may also enroll in ASI 662 for either 0 or 1 credit hour during the Spring 2027 semester.

Boot Camp Topics

Instructional sessions and practical experiences will include:

  • Cattle health management
  • Business and operational management
  • Feedyard maintenance and waste management
  • Risk management
  • Low-stress cattle handling
  • Nutrition management and feed mill operations

Additional Opportunities

Industry Networking Event
Connect with feedlot managers, industry leaders, and potential employers during a dedicated networking event. Students may have the opportunity to secure a paid Summer 2027 feedlot management internship and can potentially earn academic credit through ASI 599.

Spring Field Experience
Participate in a hands-on cattle processing experience and observe a calf necropsy during Spring 2027.

Scholarship Opportunity
Students who successfully complete:

  • The Feedlot Management Boot Camp
  • Spring cattle processing experience
  • A feedlot-focused internship (minimum two months)

will be eligible to receive a $2,500 scholarship applied toward Fall 2027 tuition.

Why Apply?

  • No cost to participate
  • Hands-on experience with industry-leading feedlots
  • Professional networking opportunities
  • Potential paid internship placement
  • Academic credit option
  • Opportunity to earn a $2,500 scholarship

Applications are due by October 10, 2026.