Livestock

All Livestock Content

Two pastures side-by-side. The left has minimal snow capture due to reduced plant residue. The right has ample snow capture throughout due to increased plant residue.

Winter Pasture Report: What’s your plan for spring?

Widespread drought conditions persist across the upper Great Plains into the beginning of 2025. During drought conditions, it is extremely important for producers to regularly assess precipitation and forage resources so they can manage livestock accordingly.

A white mineral supplement tub placed in a pasture, where several black cattle are grazing.

The Mineral Supplementation Puzzle: Pre-made Mixes Vs. Single Ingredients

Minerals are an important piece to the cattle herd nutrition puzzle. Supplementation method is important to examine, as mineral supplementation is another cost in maintaining a herd.

SDSU cheerleader holding a yellow lamb pelt with the SDSU mascot

33rd Lamb Bonanza to showcase sheep industry during SDSU basketball game

January 02, 2025

The 2025 Lamb Bonanza is Saturday, Jan. 11, at First Bank & Trust Arena on the SDSU campus in Brookings. The game starts at 2 p.m. and features the SDSU women versus the University of Missouri-Kansas City Roos.

Beef cattle in a snow covered feedlot

SDSU Extension to provide educational sessions during 2025 Dakota Farm Show

December 19, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will provide a day of educational sessions for crop and cattle producers during the 2025 Dakota Farm Show in Vermillion.

sorrel horse with trees in the background

Other Animals

With access to faculty and researchers, and extensive experience, our team provides South Dakotans with resources to help answer questions.

close up of black cow and the words cattle HQ

SDSU Extension launching Cattle HQ live webinar series

December 10, 2024

Each month’s webinar will feature a speaker discussing timely topics and the latest SDSU Extension research and resources.

Participants Kari Feldhaus and Kelsy Hokana work together on an educational activity during Annie’s Project in Britton.

SDSU Extension to host virtual Annie’s Project for women in agriculture

December 09, 2024

Annie’s Project is designed to empower women in agriculture to be successful through education, networks and resources. All are welcome to attend.

Rancher on horseback moving a group of black cattle in winter pasture.

Preparing for Spring Grazing After a Dry Fall: Strategies for Ranchers

A dry fall presents significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to implement proactive and adaptive management strategies.

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension to host CAFO training

November 12, 2024

Specialists from South Dakota State University Extension, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide the training.

Two meat inspectors walking along a line of hanging beef carcasses.

Impacts of Beef Hot Carcass Weight on Steak Palatability

The beef industry is constantly evolving, with producers striving for maximum efficiency and high product quality. Recent research at South Dakota State University evaluated the impact of beef hot carcass weight and product aging on steak palatability.