Livestock

All Livestock Content

Group of meat processing trainees inspecting parts of a beef carcass.

Testing for E. coli in Raw Meat Products: Basic information for meat processors

While the risk of Shiga-toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC) should be taken seriously, the incidence of positive STEC tests can be mitigated by proper animal, carcass, and product handling, as well as robust sanitation policies and practices.

Russ Daly, Professor and SDSU Extension Veterinarian, examining young beef cattle in a pen with two students.

Health Considerations for Beef Heifers Transitioning to the Breeding Herd

The length and success of a heifer’s breeding career depends on preventing and managing their health challenges – starting well before they’re even identified as breeding herd candidates.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

small group of dairy cattle grazing in a pasture near a red monoslope barn

Dairy

As a member of the I-29 Moo University Collaboration, SDSU Extension connects South Dakota’s producers with peers and industry experts across a five-state region.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

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.

Hand writing the word “scholarship” on a chalk board.

SDSU students awarded Master Pork Producers scholarships

February 25, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the five SDSU students who received South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association scholarships on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 57th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.

Group of producers gathered at a bull sale.

How to Read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)

Bull sale season is here and many cattlemen are likely scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are a tool to aid selection by comparing traits between animals within the same breed.

Producers reviewing paperwork in a farm office.

Ag Business

Modern agriculture requires savvy financial planning and strategy.

Two men hold a plaque for honorary Master Pork Producer

2025 Master Pork Producers announced

February 23, 2026

Four South Dakota pork producers were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state’s swine industry.

Cow with calf in winter pasture.

Matching Winter Forage Supply to Herd Needs

Most operations feed hay based on convenience rather than cow requirements. Feeding the same hay to all cattle throughout the winter may be simple and efficient, but it often leads to overspending, or underfeeding.