Farm Management

Common Stalk Borer Activity Update: May 16, 2019

The hatching and movement of common stalk borer caterpillars can be estimated by using degree days with a developmental threshold of 41 degrees Fahrenheit. Common stalk borer eggs typically begin to hatch at 575 degree days.

Haul the Feed or the Cows

Reduction in pasture forage availability may require producers to decide between hauling feed or hauling cows. Learn how to decide which option is best for your operation.

Registration Open for Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd

May 10, 2021

To date, the Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd series has drawn participants from 79 operations, plus 22 industry and Extension personnel from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado and Illinois.

Check Your Bins This Spring

As it warms up this spring, don’t forget to check the bins. Grain bins work as solar heat collectors, and the grain inside of them may be much warmer than expected.

Adaptive Management: One Strategy To Increase Your Operation’s Flexibility and Resiliency

Adaptive management is a strategy that livestock producers can use to manage year-to-year variability in forage production and build drought resiliency for their operations.

SDSU Extension Addresses Vaccine Safety with Dairy Workforce

April 07, 2021

Dr. Maristela Rovai, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist, has received federal funding from the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety to help boost COVID-19 vaccination efforts among South Dakota’s dairy industry workforce.

Early Weaning: Impact on Replacement Heifers

Early weaning calves is a common practice for managing through a drought. However, how does early weaning affect the heifers meant for replacements?

Don’t Let Dry Conditions Take a Toll on Breeding Success

If you feel pastures are not going to provide adequate nutrients to prepare cows for breeding, here are some management strategies that can be done to potentially stimulate estrus, maintain good pregnancy rates, and save some feed resources too.

Economic Considerations for Early Weaning

There is an excellent reason why ranchers use early weaning as a drought management tool: Weaning calves early reduces the amount of feed required to maintain the cow.

Feeding at the Right Price

Managing feedstuffs efficiently becomes more important during drought conditions or low revenue years.