36 Kansas State University Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program: Growing Student Interest and Engagement in the Feedlot Industry

Abstract

Abstract The Kansas State University Collegiate Feedlot Boot Camp and Teaching Program was initiated in January 2019 with the goal to develop student knowledge, skills, and professional relationships in feedlot management to help meet critical need for trained professionals in the feedlot industry. Allied industry supporters including feedlot nutrition and veterinary consultants, pharmaceutical companies, and lenders, as well as feedlot owners/managers and the Kansas State University Department of Animal Sciences and Industry collaborated to develop, sponsor, and offer the program, which is offered at no cost to students who are selected. Specific objectives are to train students in aspects of feedlot management through a 4-d comprehensive “Boot Camp” at Western Kansas feedlots, enhance students’ likelihood of participating in feedlot internships, and cultivate students’ vision of potential career paths within the industry. Boot Camp topics include cattle health, feeding and nutrition, feedlot design and maintenance, and the business of cattle feeding. A networking dinner brings students and feedlot managers together to facilitate students gaining internship and full-time employment with feedlots. Following the January Boot Camp, students share individual presentations on relevant industry topics. Presentations are recorded and shared with feedlot managers to further engagement between students and feedlot managers. Later in the spring semester students also participate in a half-day cattle processing experience at a feedlot near Kansas State to provide additional insight and experience with feedlot health management. Limited to 20 participants per year, 59 undergraduate students have completed the program. When surveyed, over 98% (58/59) of student participants agreed with the statement “My interest in pursuing an internship and (or) career in the feedlot industry grew as a result of this Boot Camp.” Approximately 50% of students participated in feedlot internships or earned full-time jobs working in feedlots. Ranging from students with little to no experience with feedlots to being raised on beef cow-calf or feedlot operations, progress is being made in growing student interest and awareness of career opportunities in the feedlot industry.