Sioux City, Iowa—The Regina Roth Applied Agricultural and Food Studies Department is proud to announce the launch of Morningside-Raised Beef, a student-managed enterprise debuting this fall through a collaboration with Eric Nelson Feedlot and Cherokee Locker. 

Morningside-Raised Beef builds on the Department’s commitment to experiential learning, giving students the opportunity to manage every stage of the beef value chain—from feedlot oversight to processing, retail, and consumer engagement. The enterprise will officially kick off at Taste of Morningside, following the Homecoming football game on October 4 at 3:00 p.m., where the Morningside Grill Masters will serve prime rib sandwiches and hamburgers, and debut Morningside-Raised Beef Sticks. Faculty and staff will also be available to share information and answer questions about the project. 

The launch of Morningside-Raised Beef has been made possible through the generosity of donors and the support of several stakeholder sponsors, reflecting the strong community commitment to student success and agricultural innovation. Their contributions provide vital resources that enable students to connect academic learning with hands-on industry practice. 

“Partnering with Morningside on this project is about preparing the next generation of beef producers,” said Eric Nelson, CEO of Eric Nelson Feedlot. “It’s exciting to see students gain direct experience with the management decisions that drive both herd performance and profitability. These are the skills that will set them apart in the industry.” 

“For us, this collaboration is about showing students what happens beyond the feedlot,” said Dale Allen, CEO/Owner of Cherokee Locker. “From USDA inspection to fabrication and quality grading, students see first-hand the standards required to bring safe, high-quality beef to market. It’s a unique opportunity to connect their classroom learning to real-world expectations while also supporting local beef.” 

At the heart of the initiative is the new 4-credit Beef Production Management course, which directly supports the Animal Science curriculum in the Regina Roth Applied Agricultural and Food Studies Department. The course immerses students in the practical and scientific aspects of beef production, including reproductive and nutritional strategies, herd health planning, genetic selection, and the application of Beef Quality Assurance principles. Weekly site visits to the Morningside-Raised Beef feedlot and tours of a USDA-inspected locker provide students with first-hand insights into inspection processes, fabrication, carcass quality, and yield grading. 

Dean Thomas Paulsen emphasized the importance of the enterprise and course integration, noting, “Morningside-Raised Beef is a unique opportunity for our students to experience the realities of modern beef production while also developing leadership, communication, and business skills. It is one more way we’re ensuring our graduates are prepared to lead the future of agriculture.”