Education



South Dakota Fed Cattle Challenge


FED CATTLE CHALLENGE REGISTRATION FOR CLASS OF 2023-2024 IS NOW CLOSED.

The Fed Cattle Challenge will provide an opportunity for youth (SD high school student not graduating before May 2024) to learn about the science and economics of finishing cattle by participating in a calf finishing program. Participants will understand the process for finishing cattle through ownership of a percentage of a pen of cattle (roughly equivalent to three head) at a custom feedlot, receive curriculum on twelve topics related to cattle feeding, calculate a closeout and present what they have learned to a panel.

"The Fed Cattle Challenge was an excellent way to enhance my knowledge on the cattle feeding industry. Being able to obtain information from industry experts and use real-world investments will allow me to implement more of these tactics into my own cattle feeding operation in the future,” stated Logan Schlim, a finalist in a previous Fed Cattle Challenge class. Peter Rausch, another finalist, said, “The Fed Cattle Challenge has given me a live experience with feeding cattle where there is real risk and reward. This Challenge has given me more in-depth insight into different aspects of the cattle industry. Definitely recommend this to other peers.”

Awards for the top three participants will be awarded.  First place will receive $1,500, second place will receive $1,000, and third place will receive a $500 award.

Each participant will own a percentage of a pen of cattle approximately equal to three head a pen at Winner Circle Feedyard. The participant will be responsible for a 30% equity down payment and the feedyard will finance the remaining value of the cattle and expenses. Following harvest, proceeds from the cattle will be divided among the owners of the cattle, and the three head of cattle participants own, minus the divided costs. Participants will be given the information and closeout template they need to understand, complete, and present to the panel.

“We are excited to continue to offer this program. Our goal with this program is to help develop the next generation of feedlot owners and operators and the feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive that we are accomplishing that goal,” said Roxanne Knock, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation board member.

About the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation:
The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation facilitates the generosity of the beef industry to educate and build trust with the state’s consumers, ensuring the industry’s long-term viability. The development of the Fed Cattle Challenge Program is a part of our mission to support the youth that are sincerely interested in careers in the cattle industry.

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2023 Fed Cattle Challenge Awards


$1,500 – Harper Kirsch - Platte
$1,000 – Dylan Fouss - Draper
$500 – Tayden Mathis - Winner

FED CATTLE CHALLENGE REGISTRATION FOR CLASS OF 2023-2024 IS NOW CLOSED.
DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

scholarships


In 2016, the South Dakota Cattlemen's Foundation scholarship program was established. This scholarship aims to identify and reward students who are interested in the improvement of beef production and promotion.

CALL FOR APPLICANTS: VIEW PRESS RELEASE HERE

For a listing of scholarship eligibility requirements and to submit your application, click here now.
All applications must be submitted by Sunday, March 17, 2024 at 11:59PM CT.


APPLY HERE

Scholarships of $5,000, $4,000, $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 will be awarded to five students from South Dakota enrolled in any post-secondary institution in South Dakota. All awards will be paid directly to the institution the student is enrolled in.

The South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation joined forces with Feeding South Dakota in May 2013 to create a signature event, Prime Time Gala & Concert, that raises critical funds for their mission by providing more beef to food insecure families throughout the state. Funds also raised from the Prime Time Gala & Concert support the scholarship program that provides $15,000 in funding to students throughout South Dakota. Since hosting the first event in June 2014, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Foundation has raised over $2,416,422 for Feeding South Dakota. The 11th Annual Prime Time & Concert will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024.


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2023 WINNERS

Ella Stiefvater – Salem
Isabelle Mairose – Kimball
Teigen Hadrick – Faulkton
Colt Wilkinson – De Smet
Brooklyn Mettler – Menno


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