Livestock

All Livestock Content

Swine

Providing pork producers with the research-based information and resources they need to keep South Dakota swine herds healthy and profitable is a focus of our team.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Black beef cattle at a feedbunk at an SDSU research facility.

Jun 23

Environmental Training for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

SDSU Extension will host an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on June 23 at the Crossroads Convention Center (100 Fourth St. S.W., Huron, SD 57350).

Interior of a swine production facility.

Pseudorabies Detected in Iowa and Texas Swine Farms: Prevention Tips, Clinical Signs, and Testing

For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. Commercial swine herd in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) has been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas. Responsibility falls on everyone in the industry to ensure that this virus does not gain a foothold again.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Sep 10

Southeast Research Farm Fall Field Day

SDSU Extension, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU and the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm Corporation will host the Southeast Research Farm fall field day on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Research plots at the SDSU West River Research Farm.

Sep 09

West River Research Farm Field Day

Attend the West River Research Farm field day on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. MT at the SDSU West River Research Farm near Sturgis, South Dakota (13370 Alkali Road, Sturgis, SD 57785).

Two young producers inspecting a herd of cattle in early spring pasture.

Breeding Season Preparation

Whether you are going to be using artificial insemination or turning out bulls for natural service, planning plays an essential role in a successful breeding season.

Agriculture

Both livestock and crops are essential to South Dakota's agricultural industry.

Participants of the 2023 Precision Livestock Field School at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station, looking at differences among long-term grazing treatments and precision livestock technology. (Photo courtesy of Hector Menendez)

Jun 12

Cottonwood Field Station Field Day

Attend the Cottonwood Field Station field day on Friday, June 12, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. MT at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station. The Cottonwood Field Station is located approximately 19 miles east of Wall along U.S. Highway 14 at 23738 Fairview Road, Philip, SD 57567.

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.