NDSU Hosts Livestock Record Management Workshop on January 13

North Dakota State University (NDSU) will conduct a workshop focused on livestock record management at its North Central Research Extension Center in Minot on January 13, 2024, from 1 to 3 p.m. The event, titled “Ranch Counts and Calculations,” aims to equip livestock producers with essential skills to manage and assess spreadsheet-based performance records effectively. This initiative seeks to enhance profitability and facilitate informed herd management decisions.

The workshop addresses a critical need within the livestock sector. According to Lacey Quail, an NDSU Extension livestock management specialist, “Management records may be one of the most underutilized tools in our toolbox.” She emphasizes the importance of leveraging recorded data, particularly during the calving season, to make informed management choices that add real value to operations.

Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops, along with any existing records, whether digital or handwritten. The workshop will cover various topics, including identifying beneficial information to record, methods to swiftly determine culls or replacements based on specific criteria, and techniques for calculating production metrics like adjusted weaning weights and estimated calving dates. Additionally, attendees will learn how to create manageable summaries of birth and weaning weights, pregnancy rates, and dystocia issues segmented by management group or sire.

Paige Brummund, an NDSU Extension agent for Ward County, highlights that ranchers are already engaged in the demanding work of data collection in the field. She states, “This workshop helps bridge the gap between collecting those records and turning them into practical decisions that improve herd performance and long-term profitability.” The intention is to demystify the record-keeping process and render it more rewarding for livestock operations of all sizes.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive with specific questions or scenarios they would like to explore further. The workshop is free of charge, making it accessible to all interested producers. For registration or more details, individuals can visit ndsu.ag/recordmgmt26. For further inquiries, contact Lacey Quail via email at [email protected].

This workshop represents an opportunity for livestock producers to enhance their management skills, ensuring they can capitalize on the data they collect to foster growth and sustainability in their operations.