Livestock

All Livestock Content

Small group of white sheep in a sheep shearing enclosure.

Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability

South Dakota is known for a high reputation wool clip. Emphasis on economically important wool traits coupled with careful genetic selection helps promote production, profitability and sustainability in an operation.

Livestock guardian dog resting near a flock of sheep.

Livestock Guardian Dogs for Improved Protection

Most sheep producers will use a variety of methods to protect their flock, but one that has increased interest is the use of livestock guardian dogs.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

National Sheep Improvement Program: Performance-based data you can rely on

Sheep producers continually look for opportunities to improve their flocks through the introduction of genetic traits that will contribute to both improve the performance and physical appearance of the offspring. For hundreds of years, producers used the phenotype or physical appearance traits to select replacement stock, followed by performance trials and wool testing to quantitatively define the traits a specific animal may possess.

grass with field bindweed, a viny green weed with white flowers

Weed Control: Noxious Weeds

Noxious Weed Recommendations: Herbicides for pasture, range, and non-crop areas, including roadside and other right-of-way that may be harvested for hay or grazed, are given a priority.

Group of women sitting around a table at the Power of Women as AgVocates conference

SDSU Extension hosting conference for women in agriculture March 1-2 in Fort Pierre

February 05, 2024

The Power of Women as AgVocates Conference is March 1-2, 2024, at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Museum in Fort Pierre. Registration is $75.

Small herd of cattle grazing in a snow covered field

SDSU, NDSU Extension hosting beef cattle feeding programs

January 22, 2024

The SDSU Extension Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium is designed to help farmers and ranchers navigate the rising costs of the pastures and forages used to feed beef cattle. There will be two in-person events and one virtual event via Zoom.