Livestock

All Livestock Content

Group of hereford heifers waiting to be fed.

Protein Nutrition and Replacement Heifer Development

With summer coming to an end and weaning for this year’s calves right around the corner, it is not premature for producers to start thinking about next year’s replacement heifers that will be needed to replace any culled or open cows.

several heard of cattle looking at the camera

Registration Now Open for SDSU Beef Day

October 26, 2023

This year’s event will be held virtually Tuesday, February 9 and will begin at 1 p.m. CST. 

Cattle using a fabricated windbreak in north western South Dakota.

Guidelines for Livestock Windbreaks

Livestock grazing open crop residue fields or large pastures can be left exposed during extreme bouts of cold. Ensuring that cattle and any other livestock being pastured in exposed areas have adequate access to shelter to escape the wind and cold is especially important.

Three young, Black Angus bulls in a pen.

Buying Bulls With a Plan

Selecting new herd sires is an annual process for beef producers. Learn tips for selecting the correct herd sire for your operation that will progress your operation and improve your cattle.

Cattle grazing late-fall pasture.

Pasture Conditions and Grazing Opportunities

Fall rains across South Dakota have provided some much-needed soil moisture improvement. Learn some expert tips for taking advantage of late-season grazing opportunities on pasture and rangeland.

South Dakota State University Extension logo

SDSU Extension staff members win national agricultural association awards

October 23, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.

Bottles of on-farm pasteurized and packaged whole milk.

Selling Grade A and B Dairy and Dairy Products in South Dakota

There has been an interest in manufacturing and processing dairy products by South Dakota food entrepreneurs. Learn everything you need to know about the basic requirements for processing and selling Grade A and Grade B dairy and dairy products in our state.

Several portions of ground beef being inspected at a meat processing facility.

Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat

If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.

Young producer inspecting meat in a locker with a digital tablet.

So, You Want to Build a Meat Processing Facility? Five Initial Steps to Consider

The need for more small meat processing capacity and skilled workers is not a new problem facing rural America. No matter the reason for wanting to build, here are some steps to consider before diving in.

Producer approaching a young dairy calf.

How did a Poultry Germ Change to Cause Severe Disease in Calves and People?

In 2015, a specific strain of a germ called Salmonella heidelberg made 56 people sick in 15 different states.