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����Ӱ��’s Department of Animal Science has been named the 2025 North American Limousin Foundation Promoter of the Year following its collaborative efforts in conducting a multiyear beef cattle research study.

“This recognition reflects the exceptional commitment of our feedlot research team in addressing real-world challenges facing today’s beef industry,” said John Jaeger, Calvin and Mary Hayenga Endowed Department Head of Animal Science. “Their work provided timely, science-based insight into feeding cattle to larger out weights and, importantly, paired biological outcomes with rigorous economic analysis producers can use.”

How the study took shape

Six years ago, the North American Limousin Foundation board initiated discussions with the SDSU feedlot research team about conducting a study representative of the commercial cattle feeding industry, particularly as carcass weights continued to trend upward. These initial conversations soon led to a joint research study with the foundation, which also served as the basis for former Master of Science student Grace Olinger's graduate research.

Warren Rusche, assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science and SDSU Extension feedlot specialist, served as Olinger’s adviser.

“This project was an excellent example of a research partnership that advanced the interests of both the sponsors and the entire beef industry,” Rusche said. “Not only did the Limousin breeders gain independent data on how their genetics performed from the ranch to the rail today, but it also added to our knowledge of the biological and financial implications of extended days on feed.”

Research efforts began with the identification of two commercial Angus cow-calf operations in Montana, which were bred to three sire groups: Angus, Limousin and Lim-Flex (Limousin x Angus cross). Sires were independently selected by Bob Weaber of Kansas State University for consistency in breed comparisons.

Offspring from these matings were transported to SDSU’s facilities in November 2023. From that point on, the SDSU Feedlot Research team managed all research logistics under the direction of Zach Smith, associate professor in the Department of Animal Science and faculty supervisor of the Ruminant Nutrition Center.

Following a structured receiving period, the cattle were divided into three harvest groups based on body weight and breed composition. This approach allowed the researchers to evaluate the effect of extended days on feed on growth performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics over the course of the feeding period.

After the cattle were harvested at their respective endpoints, Olinger and Rusche conducted a comprehensive economic analysis to assess profitability. This marked the completion of the project’s data collection and analysis phases.

From research to outreach

With data in hand, the research team turned its attention to sharing what they had learned with audiences across all segments of the beef supply chain.

“While I led project administration and execution, including funding acquisition, Warren, in his extension role, coordinated the outreach efforts. It’s a perfect example of how research, education and SDSU Extension come together,” Smith said, reflecting on ����Ӱ��’s land-grant mission and its real-world impact.

In February 2026, the research findings were shared with a national audience at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. During Cattlemen’s College, which is held in conjunction with the event, Rusche spoke on the topic, “The Weight of Progress: Are Bigger Cattle Better for the Beef Industry?” His presentation engaged attendees in a thought-provoking discussion regarding the increase in carcass weights over the past decade, drawing on findings from the North American Limousin Foundation/SDSU research study.

Rusche and others look forward to sharing their findings at other beef cattle industry events throughout the year, including the Plains Nutrition Council spring conference in April and the Beef Improvement Federation Symposium and Convention this summer.

A collaborative effort from start to finish

Bringing this research study to life required the collaborative effort of many people working together over several years toward a common goal. From early planning and coordination to daily cattle care, data collection and analysis, every part of the project depended on the people behind it.

“This really was a team effort,” Rusche said. 

Smith and Rusche expressed their appreciation to the North American Limousin Foundation for their partnership and support throughout the project. They also recognized the SDSU feedlot research team, whose efforts were critical to the execution and completion of the study.

“We especially couldn’t have done it without our team of graduate students,” Smith said, reflecting on their significant role in carrying out the study.

For more information about the SDSU Department of Animal Science or , visit their respective websites.