BROOKINGS — South Dakota State University Extension will host a new event for youth age 12-21 to learn about the beef industry.

The Youth Beef Summit will be from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 16 on the SDSU campus. It is free to attend, but registration is required by July 7. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “summit.”

All youth interested in the beef industry are encouraged to attend. The day will include education about beef production, including meat quality, nutrition, reproduction and provide hands-on learning opportunities in animal handling.

Prior experience with beef cattle is not required. In fact, Warren Rusche, assistant professor and SDSU Extension feedlot management specialist, said this is a prime opportunity for youth without prior experience to get an overview of the industry and to learn how beef gets from pastures onto plates.

“This event is really for any young people interested in beef production or consuming beef,” Rusche said. “We’re a state of meat-eaters, but sometimes we might not fully appreciate all the steps it takes — what all is involved in getting that burger on our plate.”

Rusche added that it’s a great way for youth to learn about careers in the beef industry that they might not otherwise consider.

“If we can introduce beef production to a broader audience, that’s going to expand opportunities up and down the value chain,” Rusche said.

For more information, contact Rusche at 605-688-5452 or Warren.Rusche@sdstate.edu; or Christina Bakker, assistant professor and SDSU Extension meat science specialist, at 605-688-5436 or Christina.Bakker@sdstate.edu.