Livestock

All Livestock Content

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension invites operators to June CAFO environmental training

May 22, 2026

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on June 23, 2026, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.

A group of red angus cattle.

Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

Animal Science Research and Extension Report

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator

Calculator for inventorying livestock and forage on hand to determine additional forage purchase needs, or livestock sales.

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

Move the Cows or Move the Feed

This calculator is designed to aid producers making the decision to buy feedstuffs and haul the feed to the operation, or to haul the cattle to the feedstuffs.

Beef cattle with calves on a dry rangeland.

Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought

Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.

White beef cow with calf in a pasture.

Strategic Culling During Drought Can Strengthen Ranch Profitability

In today’s cattle market, thoughtful culling decisions can provide a dual benefit, generating immediate income from strong cull cow prices while reducing the number of animals to feed during periods of high feed costs and drought stress.

a herd of brown and black cows in a field of green grass

Feed Nutrient Comparison Calculator

This comparison calculator is designed to assist producers with supplemental feed purchasing decisions for their operation.

Red fescue, a red colored grass, in a meadow in the Black Hills National Forest.

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), A New Grass in the Black Hills: Friend or Foe?

Red fescue (Festuca rubra), a cool-season, dominate rhizomatous grass, has started showing up on disturbed ground near meadows and forests. While it is not a state noxious weed yet, its spread has raised questions from producers.