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Livestock

South Dakota producers face new challenges each day. SDSU Extension is your partner, providing resources and expertise to help meet production goals.

Featured Resources

A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.

Livestock Stress Tool

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.

A vast, open rangeland with a few patches of weeds.

Noxious Weed Control in Pasture and Range

Noxious weed control in pastures is becoming more of a challenge. Most ground commercial spray businesses are no longer spraying pastures. If they are, there may be restrictions on the time they will spray, what products they will spray, or they may only spray if they also have all of the rest of your spraying business.

Upcoming Events

Young pigs in a wean-to-finish facility.
Jun 12

South Dakota Swine Summit

South Dakota Swine Summit is a program for youth ages 12-21 interested in learning more about the swine industry. This event will take place on June 12, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at various locations on the campus of South Dakota State University.

Young, black angus cattle eating feed in a feedlot.
Jun 17

Siouxland Feedlot Forum

SDSU Extension and Nebraska Extension will host the Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 17, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Sioux Falls-City Center (100 W 8th St, Sioux Falls, SD 57104).

A group of people sits on an open trailer and listens to a man giving a presentation in front of a field
Jul 08

Southeast Research Farm Field Day and Family Evening

Attend the Southeast Research Farm field day and family evening on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, at the Southeast Research Farm (29974 University Road, Beresford, SD 57004). The farm is located six miles west and three miles south of Beresford.

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle
Jul 16

South Dakota Youth Beef Summit

South Dakota Youth Beef Summit is a program for youth ages 12-21 interested in learning more about the beef industry. This event will take place on July 16, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at various locations on the campus of South Dakota State University.