NDSU Beef Cattle Research Complex

09/16/2026

See page 31 and 38 for research conducted at the BCRC!

What's new in livestock research?

The 2026 North Dakota Livestock Research Report is now available https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/2026-north-dakota-livestock-research-report

This year's report features research on:
- Performance testing
- Finishing cattle and sheep
- Heifer nutrition
- Reproductive physiology
- Swine
- Grazing management
- Sheep cost of production

03/23/2026

Results of a recent research study at the BCRC. The effects of feeding whole vs. dry rolled corn and forage inclusion rate in our beef unit finishing steers.

02/15/2026

Congratulations to Jim Kirsch, the 100th Saddle and Sirloin Agriculturist of the year. Thank you for everything that you have done for us over the years!

01/22/2026

The BCRC's newest student employee spotlight shines on Cierra Fonder. Cierra has been working at the BCRC since September and has jumped right in to helping feed, halter break, and run equipment. We greatly appreciated Cierra's help over Christmas break!

10/21/2025

Discovery Day with NDSU Animal Sciences

Prospective students had the opportunity to engage in hands-on experiences and explore various facilities across different sections of our department. Meanwhile, parents and friends were given a tour of the BCRC and got to hear about some of our programs like NDSU Bison Strides

Thank you to everyone who joined us—we look forward to welcoming you as NDSU Bison in the years to come!

10/13/2025

Passionate about the sheep industry? Apply today!

10/07/2025

We’re hiring!

The NDSU Department of Animal Sciences is seeking a Beef Cattle Extension Specialist (Assistant Professor) to join our team in Fargo, ND.

This 12-month, tenure-track position (70% Extension, 30% Research) offers the opportunity to lead innovative beef cattle programs, collaborate with producers statewide, and advance research in nutrition, reproduction, genetics, and more.

📍 Location: Fargo, ND
🔗 Learn more & apply: https://prd.hcm.ndus.edu/psc/recruit/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=2951268&PostingSeq=1

09/12/2025

Our first lab of the semester joined us this week here at the BCRC for a tour and some hands on cattle work. Students got to learn about our current research projects and how to safely move cattle through our working facility. They also had the opportunity to work on some equipment ID for common items we use here.

08/29/2025

“The North Dakota Livestock Research Report provides valuable information to producers and beef cattle industry personnel on the most recent beef cattle research conducted by NDSU faculty, scientists, staff and students,” says Kendall Swanson, a professor in the Animal Sciences Department and the publication’s coordinator.

Read the full report here: https://www.ndsu.edu/agriculture/extension/publications/2025-north-dakota-livestock-research-report-0

06/26/2025

Yesterday, we were pleased to participate in the Northern Crops Institute’s Summer Ag Academy. During the event, students had the opportunity to learn about our ongoing research projects and tour our facility.