Livestock

All Livestock Content

USDA Choice ribeye steaks on display at a grocery store.

USDA Beef Quality Grades: What do they mean?

A large portion of beef sold at retail is accompanied by a USDA quality grade label. Learn how quality grades are determined, what they mean, and how they can be used to select the perfect cut for your purposes.

Three calving books on display: Rite in the Rain book, SDSU Extension IRM Redbook, and the K-State cow/calf record book.

Calving Books: Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Calving books are an essential record-keeping component for cow-calf operations. Learn some expert tips for finding a book that best suits your operation and employees.

Group of farmers and ranchers gathered at an emergency meeting.

Texas Panhandle Wildfire Relief Resources

On February 26, 2024, wildfires began to spread across a large portion of the panhandle of Texas. As of March 8, 2024, there have been 1,058,482 acres burned by the fire, making this the largest recorded wildfire in the state’s history.

four students smile at the camera holding large manila envelopes next to the man who presented them with the scholarships

SD Master Pork Producers Association awards scholarships to 4 SDSU students

March 08, 2024

Four South Dakota State University students have received $1,000 scholarships from the South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association.

Producer presenting frozen lamb meat products in a deep freezer.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling Direct to Consumer

The growing interest in food chain transparency has fostered the growth of direct marketing meat to consumers. Learn some of the challenges and opportunities this style of marketing offers lamb producers.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Calf Health Following Calving

Considering calf health following calving is a number one priority for calving season and to better prepare the calf for the rest of its life.

coyote standing in front of tall grass

SDSU Extension co-hosting livestock seminars at Lemmon farm and home show

March 01, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will offer advice on managing sheep predators during the KBJM Farm and Home Show on March 8, 2024.

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Clean Calving Environment: Pasture and Barn

Setting newborn calves up for success starts with a clean calving environment whether that be a clean pasture or fresh bedding in the barn. A clean environment prevents illness in newborn calves.

Young nursery piglets.

2023 South Dakota Master Pork Producers announced

February 27, 2024

The 2023 South Dakota Master Pork Producer winners were announced on Jan. 10, 2024, during the 55th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls. Recipients are Ingris Rivas, of Parker; Cameron Wipf, of Frankfurt; and Seth Holmstrom, of Conde.

Aerial view of a cattle operation.

Carbon Markets and Beef Production: Overview

Learn about the Carbon Markets and Beef Production program, which aims to demystify many of the aspects of greenhouse gas emissions, climate-smart agriculture practices, and carbon markets for producers and landowners.