Building Tomorrow’s Beef Industry: Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp Program

Abstract The Kansas State University (KSU) Feedlot Boot Camp program was initiated in 2019 with the goal to develop student knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet critical needs for trained professionals in the feedlot industry. Allied industry supporters including feedlot nutrition and veterinary consultants, pharmaceutical companies, agriculture lenders, feedlot owners Department of Animal Sciences and Industry faculty collaborated to develop, sponsor, and conduct the program, which is offered at no cost to the undergraduate students selected. The January 2025 Boot Camp was the seventh consecutive year of the program with a total of 153 students participating (121 from KSU and 32 from Oklahoma State University, West Texas A&M University, Fort Hays State University, Colorado State University, and Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis combined). Specific program objectives are to: 1. Train students in aspects of feedlot management through a 4-day comprehensive “Boot Camp” at Western Kansas feedlots, 2. Enhance students’ likelihood of participating in feedlot internships, and 3. Cultivate students’ vision of potential career paths within the feedlot industry. Boot Camp topics include cattle health, feeding and nutrition, feedlot design and maintenance, and the business of cattle feeding. These topics are explored by a combination of topic-focused tours at four to five feedlots representing varied business models as well as classroom discussions by allied industry and university experts. An evening speed interview session and networking dinner brings students and feedlot managers together to facilitate students gaining internship and full-time employment with feedlots. Later in the spring semester KSU students also participate in a half-day cattle processing and necropsy experience at a feedlot near KSU to provide additional insight and experience with cattle health management. Ranging from students with little to no experience with feedlots to being raised on beef cow-calf or feedlot operations, progress is being made in growing student interest and awareness of career opportunities in the feedlot industry.