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Farm Management

All Farm Management Content

black angus bull at pasture

Bull Selection

Bull sale season is upon us and those who are in the market for a new herd sire face a choice that will impact their herd for many years.

a creep feeder unit in a pasture. Photo by Alice Welch, USDA

Considering Creep Feeding

Despite what Mother Nature seems to think the summer months are approaching and for some that means rolling out the creep feeder and for others considering whether creep feeding is a necessary investment.

Two beef heifers standing in a pasture. One is red, the other black and white.

Replacement Heifer Calculator

Excel decision aid to assist producers decide whether to raise or purchase replacement heifers.

Mixed cattle in feedlot

Effects of Nutrition Changes Following Artificial Insemination

When considering heifer development strategies, it may be important for a producer to consider nutritional stress from changes in the diet following breeding.

A beef bull.

Managing Your Bull’s Fertility

Even though we might be a couple of months before the start of your breeding season, now is the time to really be thinking about your herd bulls.

a woman with black hair wearing a black blazer and a mustard shirt

SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson to Retire

October 15, 2021

After 31 years of providing education and service to South Dakota livestock producers, South Dakota State University Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson has announced her retirement. Her last day is June 21.

Large fans helping to keep Dairy Cattle cool in a livestock housing facility.

Combating Heat Stress in Lactating Dairy Cows

With summer temperatures and higher humidity levels upon us, dairy producers need enact their heat abatement strategies on farm for all livestock.

A large square bale of Alfalfa hay that has been put up for storage.

Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay

As haying season approaches, producers across South Dakota will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay. This often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives.

A manure pit at a dairy farm.

Putting Manure Handling Safety Into Practice

As livestock producers, we should know the dangers of manure pit gases. As safety equipment improves with advancements in technology, we must provide training on proper manure handling safety protocols and the use of equipment.

Sample USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey output. Orange boundaries mark different soil zones on a satellite photo.

Precision Agriculture and Zone Management

Precision agriculture tools can address the variations in a production system to enhance plant growth and crop yield. Zone management controls the variable rate of inputs for optimal performance within a defined field zone.