BEEF 2020 is set for Jan. 8-10, 2008, at South Dakota State University's Animal Science Complex in Brookings. The workshop runs from 2 p.m. Jan. 8 to noon Jan. 10.

Registration cost is $50, and the registration deadline is Nov. 30.

"BEEF 2020 is designed to provide an intensive, hands-on educational opportunity to enhance the understanding of production and marketing of high quality, high value beef," Extension beef specialist Cody Wright said. "You need not be a beef producer to attend this program. Anyone affiliated with the beef industry, including producers, industry representatives, locker operators, restaurateurs, or retailers, is welcome."

Workshop topics include evaluation of live market cattle; beef carcass grading and pricing; feeding and management strategies to improve carcass quality; genetic prediction of carcass merit; marketing the calf crop; meat/food safety technology; beef carcass fabrication; factors that affect eating quality; and product taste panels. Several of the topics will be presented as interactive demonstrations.

Due to the intensive, hands-on nature of this program, the number of participants is limited and timely registration is encouraged, Wright said.

For more information or to register, go to http://ars.sdstate.edu/extbeef/BEEF_2020.htm, or call Cody Wright at 688-5448. Reach him by e-mail at cody.wright@sdstate.edu.

Individuals can also register by sending name and contact information, as well as a check payable to SDSU ARS, to Cody Wright, SDSU Box 2170, Brookings, SD 57007. The fax number is 605-688-6170.

BEEF 2020 is presented by SDSU with funding by the South Dakota Beef Industry Council.