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Livestock

All Livestock Content

Cattle gathered in a sale barn.

Purchasing Bred Females

Weaning time is here and the decision to retain or sell heifers is front and center. Regardless of your decision, there is opportunity to purchase bred females and increase the calves available to market next season in a strong market.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

Closeup of a set M-44 device.

Private Applicator Endorsements for M-44 Devices, Fumigants, and Aerial Applications

Recent changes to South Dakota private applicator pesticide regulations have impacted the requirements to use M-44 predator-control devices, fumigants, and to apply pesticides from aerial vehicles.

A photo of two beef cattle with their heads in a typical feeder that contains golden-brown hay.

Feed Management for Efficient U.S. Livestock Systems: Introducing the National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee

The National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee brings together experts in animal science, nutrition, and natural resource management to increase awareness and use of livestock feeding management and to address conservation needs.

A person holds a sheep to their chest and uses shears to shear the sheep's wool off it's stomach

SDSU Extension to host Sheep Shearing School

August 26, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will teach the skill of sheep shearing to current and prospective producers this fall.

A man in a warehouse surrounded by bags of wool speaks to a group of people

Applications open for SDSU Extension Elevate Ewe program

August 22, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is inviting beginning sheep producers to apply to the 2024-2025 Elevate Ewe program.

Rancher moving a group of beef calves.

Preparing for the Fall Run

Having a plan in place for weaning and marketing will reduce stress for both your operation and your calves when the grazing season comes to an end and movement of calves begins.

Mixed beef cattle in a holding pen.

SDSU Extension beef team members receive training to support cattle producers

August 08, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension beef experts recently completed training that will help them continue to support South Dakota’s cattle producers.

Farmer viewing precision seed application data on a tablet.

Cybersecurity Planning: Securing the Future

With reliance on digital technologies, precision agriculture requires securing data and implementing key strategies to safeguard digital assets and maintain operational integrity and confidentiality.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2025 Dakotafest

August 06, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2025 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.