Livestock

All Livestock Content

Hand writing the word “scholarship” on a chalk board.

SDSU students awarded Master Pork Producers scholarships

February 25, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the five SDSU students who received South Dakota Master Pork Producers Association scholarships on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 57th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls.

Group of producers gathered at a bull sale.

How to Read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)

Bull sale season is here and many cattlemen are likely scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are a tool to aid selection by comparing traits between animals within the same breed.

Two men hold a plaque for honorary Master Pork Producer

2025 Master Pork Producers announced

February 23, 2026

Four South Dakota pork producers were recently recognized for their outstanding contributions to the state’s swine industry.

Cow with calf in winter pasture.

Matching Winter Forage Supply to Herd Needs

Most operations feed hay based on convenience rather than cow requirements. Feeding the same hay to all cattle throughout the winter may be simple and efficient, but it often leads to overspending, or underfeeding.

Hand presenting a GPS tracking tag on a black heifer cow.

GPS Tracking Ear Tags in Beef Cattle Production

GPS tracking ear tags are an exciting advancement in precision livestock technology that can improve operational efficiency, provide real-time animal monitoring, and generate alerts when animals leave designated areas.

Cow grazing on sudangrass.

SDSU Extension welcomes new forage field specialist

February 10, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Kim Ricardo as a new Forage Field Specialist.

Row of black cattle lined up at a feed bunk.

Live Cattle Basis

Futures prices are from organized trades that provide price information for buyers and sellers of commodities. Local cash prices can be compared to futures prices using a basis measure. With an expected basis measure, producers can observe futures prices and infer cash prices.

Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

SDSU Extension encourages participation in Nebraska Extension Calving College

February 06, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging cow/calf producers to participate in a series of calving workshops hosted by Nebraska Extension.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are many undesirable plants or invasive plant species in South Dakota's 24 million acres of native and tame pasture range. This guide provides a summary of different herbicide suggestions and uses.

Black beef cattle at a feedbunk at an SDSU research facility.

Replacing Distillers Grains with Heat-Treated Soybeans to Increase Finishing Cattle Growth

Heat-treated soybeans offer interesting attributes that could enhance cattle growth. The SDSU Feedlot Research group recently examined how they can fit into modern cattle feeding diets.