The cow herd consists of 150 head of crossbred cows that are currently being bred to Angus and Charolais bulls. Both spring and fall calving herds are maintained to complement the instructional program. Approximately 400 head will be fed per year. The finishing operation consists of placing 800 pound steers on a high grain ration and fed to approximately 1200 pounds. This is done solely to support the instructional program and will use 25 or less head per year.
Gestation is outside in open lots.
The ration is primarily a corn-soybean meal mix balanced for amino acid, minerals and vitamins. The average size of the sow herd is 60 head and approximately 800, 250-pound hogs are marketed annually. The sheep flock consists of approximately 40 head of purebred Suffolk cross ewes. Lambing takes place in January and February with the lambs being marketed as early in May and June as possible. Many community service projects and applied research projects are conducted annually.