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Livestock

All Livestock Content

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.

A young lamb standing in a barn stall.

Lamb Cut Pricing Calculator

Calculator to help estimate the cost to feed a lamb to harvest weight and breakeven required by selling lamb cuts.

Two men smile for the camera holding a glass award

Ken Olson retires after 18 years with SDSU Extension

October 29, 2024

Ken Olson, South Dakota State University professor and SDSU Extension Beef Specialist, has retired after nearly 40 years in animal and range science.

Flock of young lambs grazing fall pasture.

4 South Dakota sheep producers receive Master Lamb awards

October 23, 2024

Four operations were named South Dakota Master Lamb Producers during the 2024 South Dakota Sheep Growers annual convention in Rapid City.

Cornstalk bales in a snow-dusted field of harvested corn.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

Grazing and baling corn stalks can offer producers financial and agronomic benefits, and also provide feed resources for cattle producers. Learn how to determine if it's the right decision for your operation.

Mixed cattle grazing corn stalks.

Corn Stalk Rental Rates

Corn stalk acres have long been a source of feed for livestock producers. But how much should producers charge to graze them, and what factors should they consider when developing a rental agreement?

Technician installing a wireless internet router on an exterior structure.

Choosing the Right Wireless Network Technologies for Agricultural Internet-Of-Things Applications

The Agricultural Internet-of-Things remotely connects various farm devices and equipment throughout an operation. This article takes a look at several prevalent wireless network technologies, focusing on their potential application scenarios in precision agriculture.

Two animal disease researchers analyzing samples in a lab.

Swine Foreign Animal Disease Preparation: A reflection through the legacy of Gord Downie

The threat of foreign animal disease outbreaks demands preparedness, rapid response, and a community-wide effort to mitigate damage. Interestingly, the legacy of musician Gord Downie offers a framework for approaching these issues with urgency, empathy, and a forward-looking perspective.