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Feeds

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A grass forage blend grows in a central SD field as Red cattle graze.

Delayed Planting Challenges: Alternative Forages

With the excessively wet planting conditions much of South Dakota is now experiencing, many producers are looking for “Plan B” to meet forage needs for their livestock, or as a commodity that can be marketed to livestock producers.

A small herd of black angus cattle eating forage.

Clearing up Confusion on Protein and Energy Supplements

Differentiating between protein and energy supplements is key to developing an effective cattle supplementation program, but it can be very confusing. With the multitude of feed options available, understanding types of feeds and nutrient requirements will help ensure cattle perform optimally.

A black angus cow with yellow tags hanging from its ears.

Mineral Consumption: It Matters!

Cattle mineral nutrition is complex and often confusing, but one strategy to help ranchers better evaluate their mineral program is to monitor mineral consumption.

Cattle eating feed in a feedlot.

Monitoring Nutrient Status of Beef Cows

Managing cows through the winter provides different challenges compared to managing those same cows during the growing season. With snow cover, cows should oftentimes receive supplemental feed to meet nutrient requirements during late gestation and into calving season due to low forage or limited quantity.

A white mineral supplement tub placed in a pasture, where several black cattle are grazing.

The Mineral Supplementation Puzzle: Pre-made Mixes Vs. Single Ingredients

Minerals are an important piece to the cattle herd nutrition puzzle. Supplementation method is important to examine, as mineral supplementation is another cost in maintaining a herd.

Beef cattle in a snow covered feedlot

SDSU Extension to provide educational sessions during 2025 Dakota Farm Show

December 19, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will provide a day of educational sessions for crop and cattle producers during the 2025 Dakota Farm Show in Vermillion.

Rancher on horseback moving a group of black cattle in winter pasture.

Preparing for Spring Grazing After a Dry Fall: Strategies for Ranchers

A dry fall presents significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to implement proactive and adaptive management strategies.

A close-up shot of big round bales of hay

Learn about forage rye, livestock feed at Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting

November 06, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend the Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting and seminars, which will feature forage-related education and research.

Cornstalk bales in a snow-dusted field of harvested corn.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

Grazing and baling corn stalks can offer producers financial and agronomic benefits, and also provide feed resources for cattle producers. Learn how to determine if it's the right decision for your operation.

Mixed cattle grazing corn stalks.

Corn Stalk Rental Rates

Corn stalk acres have long been a source of feed for livestock producers. But how much should producers charge to graze them, and what factors should they consider when developing a rental agreement?