Livestock

All Livestock Content

A group of producers surveying a grazing area in early spring.

Spring Planting and Grazing Adjustments During Drought

Dry springs mean management changes for both farmers and ranchers as they plan for summer. Learn some important considerations for planting and grazing during a dry spring.

A group of people stands outside a livestock trailer

SDSU Extension helps first responders train for crashes involving livestock

April 30, 2025

The first time Brandon Wingert responded to a vehicle accident involving livestock was in 2017 when a livestock trailer with 99 cattle tipped over. They successfully recovered all but four of the cattle, but Wingert, Hanson County’s sheriff and emergency manager, never forgot the incident.

Registration open for 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

April 28, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 17, 2025, in Sioux Falls.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

Four common South Dakota ticks: American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, blacklegged and Lonestar.

Spring is here, and so are the ticks!

As spring continues to bloom, more arthropods will begin to emerge from winter dormancy. Ticks are among the first to appear, and statewide reports have already been flowing in.

Black angus cattle in early spring pasture.

Breeding and Marketing Strategies

The debate as to when or if the U.S. beef cattle herd will begin rebuilding this year is yet to be determined. While cattlemen operate record low cattle inventory numbers, the decision to retain females will be unique to each operation.

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Are Ionophores the Key for Managing Coccidiosis in Calves?

Ionophores are feed additives commonly used in cattle diets to increase feed efficiency and growth.

Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands

Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands

Small group of black cattle grazing a grassland area.

Increasing Adaptability With Alternative Grazing Strategies

The greatest sum in most cattle budgets is simply keeping cows fed. Whether grazing cropland or grassland, there are countless opportunities to improve your operation's bottom line through alternative grazing strategies.