Where's the Beef?



The 2011 crop of purebred
 Black Angus calves.



            At Lakeland College the focus is on hands-on learning.  Students are encouraged to become involved in the Student Managed Farm (SMF) in their area of interest.  Teams range from crops, to beef, to sheep; there is something for everyone.   The SMF Beef team at Lakeland College is a student group in charge of making all decisions regarding Lakeland's herd of seventy black commercial cowsand a herd of thirty purebred Black Angus cows; along with the guidance of staff advisors and the farm staff.

            These cows, which are bred Charolais for the 2012 calving season, typically begin calving mid January.  Calving usually takes two months, with students being involved in all aspects.  Students are required to do all the calving checks and labour involved in calving.  Students choose how to breed the commercial herd each year and rent bulls from local producers during the breeding season.  This past fall, the SMF Beef team chose to sell the 2011 commercial calf crop in early November and purchase feeder calves to be finished and sold in April.



One of the five bred heifers that will
be shown at Canadian Western Agribition.

            The SMF Beef team will be attending Canadian Western Agribition in Regina, SK November 23-26, 2011, with two pens of college-raised cattle.  They will be taking a pen of five bred heifers as well as a pen of five current year heifer calves. 

One of the current year heifer calves that
will be shown at Canadian Western
Agribition.

             The SMF Beef team at Lakeland College allows students to be directly involved in the happenings concerning the college's herd of beef cattle.  This is a wonderful learning tool, and great experience for those planning to return to their own operations.  Where's the beef at Lakeland College?  Just ask any member of the SMF Beef team and they will be happy to tell you.