By Scout Nelson
Students participating in the Be Your Best (BYB) Summer Academy explored the beef industry during the program’s annual Seminar Day on July 23. The event, themed “Beef: Farm to Table,” combined classroom instruction with hands-on learning to help students understand how beef products reach consumers.
The day began with a session led by Riverland Community College agricultural instructor and program coordinator Nick Schiltz. Students learned about beef production and the key stages involved in raising cattle for the food supply chain.
Participants then visited a local family farm, where they observed cattle management practices and gained insight into the daily responsibilities of livestock care. The experience provided a real-world look at how beef cattle are raised and managed.
The group also toured Conger Meat Market in Minnesota to learn about meat processing operations. Students followed the production process from receiving livestock through processing, packaging, and distribution.
The seminar showcased the many skills involved in agriculture and food production, including animal care, farm management, food safety, processing, and distribution. It also highlighted career opportunities across the agricultural sector.
Now in its 20th year, the Be Your Best Summer Academy provides free educational opportunities for students ages 16 to 22. Along with academic preparation, the program offers leadership development, educational activities, volunteer experiences, and field trips that support college and career readiness.
Photo Credit: istock
Categories: Minnesota, Education, Livestock, Beef Cattle