It is hard for me to believe that this is the 14th year I have been the coordinator and editor of this report, which has evolved through the years as the North Dakota Beef Report, the North Dakota Beef and Sheep Report and, most recently, the North Dakota Livestock Research Report. I continue to coordinate and edit the report because I know that this is one avenue to get our research findings to producers and industry personnel in the state and region. Also, I truly enjoy helping others at NDSU, especially students, gain experience in the writing of research reports and manuscripts.
Our research ranges from discovery research, which could develop into new innovations or technologies to improve production in the future, to more applied research, which provides information that can be used immediately by producers and industry personnel. Both are equally important and often are strongly linked in our research and Extension programs. A great, or perhaps greater, outcome of our research programs is the opportunity for students to gain experience in conducting and leading research projects in livestock species and to become the next generation of animal scientists in various careers. I hope this report will continue to remind us all of the importance, quality and breadth of our livestock research and Extension programs in North Dakota.
I want to thank Monica Stensland, Dominic Erickson and Deb Tanner for their assistance in editing and formatting the reports. Also, thanks to the contributors to the report and to the staff and students who assist with livestock research, teaching and Extension activities. Finally, thanks to the funders who help support the research projects and students/staff working on the projects. We truly appreciate your contributions to our research programs. Without this support, the research and the training of the next generation of animal scientists would not be possible.
If you have any questions or thoughts about our research from this report, please do not hesitate to contact me or any of the other authors of the individual reports. Thanks for your encouragement, interest and support of livestock research in North Dakota.
