Cattle producers will have an opportunity to see how Angus‐sired cattle from their operation perform in a feedlot during the North Dakota Angus University (NDAU) calf feed‐out program in the upcoming summer and fall of 2026.
North Dakota State University’s (NDSU) Carrington Research Extension Center is partnering with the North Dakota Angus Association (NDAA) to sponsor the NDAU Feed-out. This is the 15th year of the program.
“Feed-out projects like North Dakota Angus University are a great way for producers to learn more about their calves’ performance compared to other herds,” said Karl Hoppe, NDSU Extension livestock systems specialist at the Carrington Research Extension Center.
Ranchers can consign steers to the program by contacting the Carrington Research Extension Center. Consigned steers must be at least 50% Angus genetics and weigh between 900 and 1,100 pounds at delivery. Consigned cattle will be delivered to the Carrington feedlot on May 26-29.
Ranchers who consign cattle pay the feeding costs for their pen of cattle plus veterinary costs and a modest yardage charge. The Carrington Research Extension Center will carry the feed, veterinary and yardage costs until the cattle are marketed. After the cattle are marketed, costs and all applicable fees are deducted from the sale price without interest. Consigners of the program must also be NDAA members.
Participants in the NDAU will receive periodic progress reports on their calves’ performance, as well as a final report on overall performance, efficiency and carcass traits of their calves.
In the 2025 NDAU feed-out, calf performance was measured during a 133-day feeding study. Steers had an average daily gain of 4.14 lbs. Shrunk live weight at harvest averaged 1,484 lbs. and carcass weight averaged 932 lbs. The cattle graded 97% USDA Choice or better, with 51% meeting Certified Angus Beef specifications and 19% Prime quality grade.
The NDAA offers $1,500 in prizes to the top three carcasses at the end of the feed-out. — NDSU Extension
