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Published July 28, 2011, 06:59 AM

Dakotafest auction to support new SDSU cow/calf unit

BROOKINGS — During Dakotafest, an auction will raise funds for the construction of a new Cow/Calf Research and Teaching Unit at South Dakota State University.

BROOKINGS — During Dakotafest, an auction will raise funds for the construction of a new Cow/Calf Research and Teaching Unit at South Dakota State University.

“This auction will allow supporters of South Dakota’s cattle industry to participate in raising the needed funds for a facility which provides valuable research data and learning opportunities for students and stakeholders,” said Cody Wright, SDSU Extension beef specialist and professor of animal science.

The auction will be held Aug. 18, the last day of Dakotafest, at 1 p.m. in the Northwest Veterinary Supply tent.

The SDSU Cow/Calf Unit is located on campus in Brookings and is in need of updates to meet the industry’s needs for research, development and student training, according to an SDSU news release.

Land for the new facility has been purchased 10 miles from campus. SDSU Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering students worked with SDSU faculty to draw up the tentative plans for new facility. The state-of-the-art facility will be built on 640 acres and will include indoor calving and working facilities, a wet lab, meeting space and a 16-pen feeding barn.

One of only a few facilities like it in the nation, Wright says the facility will be used by researchers, students and producers for research and educational purposes to strengthen the South Dakota cattle industry.

Large animal veterinarian Dave Barz is a strong supporter of the new cow/calf unit.

“This cow/calf unit is the future of South Dakota’s cattle industry,” said Barz, who has worked with South Dakota cattle producers since 1974 and is a partner in Northwest Vet Supply, Parkston.

“This is a dynamic industry. Changes happen rapidly, and it takes units like this to research what works in South Dakota.”

Donations to the auction are tax deductible. To donate items or services to the auction, contact Cody Wright at (605) 688-5448 or cody.wright@sdstate.edu, or Dave Barz at (605) 928-3025.

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