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ATI students experience beef industry in Western U.S.

March 22, 2023

A group of six second-year livestock students, led by faculty member Dr. Michael Amstutz, spent Feb. 28 - March 7 touring various livestock businesses in Oklahoma and Texas. Businesses included the Oklahoma National Stockyards, the world's largest stocker and feeder cattle market, and Cargill Meat Solutions, a modern beef packing plant in Friona, TX that processes approximately 4,500 head of cattle per day, resulting in the production of some three million pounds of beef daily.

Students also visited cultural sites, feed producers, ranches and the Big Texan Restaurant, home of the 72 oz. steak challenge, which no one chose to attempt, believing that discretion is the better part of valor. 

Amstutz began leading educational trips out west in 2012. "The purpose of the trip is severalfold: to allow students to experience beef production in different environments, particularly areas where the majority of U.S. beef is produced, interact with industry leaders, make connections for internships and/or careers, and to examine all aspects of the beef industry from beginning to end," he said.

To see a gallery of photos from the trip, click here.

Photo Gallery