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Livestock

All Livestock Content

An orange plastic hoop placed around a portion of tall grass on a range to provide a measurement.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

a herd of brown and black cows in a field of green grass

Feed Nutrient Comparison Calculator

This comparison calculator is designed to assist producers with supplemental feed purchasing decisions for their operation.

Farm employee inspecting a piece of heavy machinery.

Safety & Training

Covering the range from animal handling to equipment safety, including training and certification to keep producers and their workforce productive.

Three producers having a discussion in a cattle pasture.

Keep Your Pastures Guessing: Why predictable grazing is costing you

Your cattle don't care which pasture they're in. Your pastures, on the other hand, care enormously. Give them something to work with, and keep them guessing.

Group of producers observing beef cattle in a pasture.

Setting Stocking Rates With Flexibility in Mind: A decision framework for uncertain years

Setting stocking rates during years when moisture is unpredictable does not require perfect information. It requires a framework that protects both your land and your options.

Mesonet station overlooking drought-stressed pasture in Porcupine, South Dakota.

Pasture Conditions

Pasture conditions need to be carefully considered when determining when to turn livestock out to pasture, especially during drier years. See some tips and tools to help make your operation's turn out season a success.

Producers reviewing paperwork in a farm office.

Ag Business

Modern agriculture requires savvy financial planning and strategy.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.
Jun 06

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 6, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the SDSU Animal Science Complex (1097 North Campus Dr., Brookings, SD 57007).

Mixed group of cattle grazing a diverse mix of forage.

Diversifying Your Forage Base for Drought Flexibility

While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can offer producers added flexibility by spreading risk across species, planting windows, and rooting depths.

Group of local foods education center staff inside high tunnel.

Growing Connections: An Organizational Map of the South Dakota Local Food System

Behind every farmer’s market, community supported agriculture share, or local food event is a network of advocates, educators, and organizations that make it all possible. The South Dakota Local Food System map illustrates the organizations that strengthen local food through a variety of roles and functions.