Livestock

All Livestock Content

A young man analyzing the results of a pregnancy check on an electronic device.

Merits of Early Pregnancy Diagnosis in Replacement Heifers

By conducting early pregnancy diagnosis, producers can make management decisions that impact herd viability and expected financial outcomes.

Group of black angus cattle at a feeding trough.

Getting the Most Out of Your Cull Cows

Pregnancy detection is a tool that producers can use to manage cow herd expenses. An open cow continues to incur feed and health expenses until they are marketed. Early pregnancy diagnosis may increase profitability if open cows can be culled earlier.

Row of sheep eating from a trough in a feedlot.

Waterbelly in Small Ruminants

Waterbelly (urolithiasis or urinary calculi) is a concern in male sheep and goats on high-concentrate rations. Knowing its symptoms, forms, and prevention strategies can help you make the best decisions for your flock.

Rancher and veterinarian having a discussion near a cattle feed bunker.

Salt Toxicity: Water Deprivation

Salt toxicity is a result of either a high concentration of salt in a diet or water deprivation. Learn how to recognize its symptoms and work with your veterinarian to prevent it from impacting your animals.

Sprawling rangeland with a diverse mix of native grasses and forbs.

Historical Trends in South Dakota’s Agricultural Land Values by Land Use

Average cropland and pasture values increased in all regions of South Dakota between 1991 and 2024. Learn some expert insights into South Dakota's regional trends in agricultural land values and rental rates for cropland and pasture/rangeland.

An expert stands in front of a corn field and speaks to attendees of a field day

SDSU Extension co-hosting virtual Forage Field Day

August 02, 2024

Forage Field Day brings together experts, producers, and industry professionals to provide panel discussions and presentations on forage-related topics. Originally scheduled to be held in Concord, Nebraska, event organizers moved to a virtual-only event to accommodate a wider audience.

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

Farmer signing a lease on the tailgate of a pickup.

Oral Lease Agreements Automatically Renew on September 1, 2024

September 1 is the automatic renewal date for all oral land lease agreements in South Dakota. If landowners or renters wish to make changes to the components of the lease, written notice must be given by the September 1 deadline.

a room is pictured from above with round tables covered in blue and yellow tablecloths. a large picture of the SDSU jackrabbit logo is on the far wall

Save the date for 2024 SDSU Swine Day

July 23, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension invites swine producers and industry members to save the date for the 2024 SDSU Swine Day on Nov. 12 in Brookings.

Fence line along a storm-damaged pasture in Butte County, South Dakota.

Pasture Recovery After Hail

When hail hits pastures, it essentially strips the leaves and breaks the stems of plants. When this occurs, it is essential to allow plants and grasses time to fully recover before grazing or haying again.