Livestock

Neospora-Positive Status: Impact on heifers/cows and their calves

Neospora caninum is a protozoal germ that has the potential to affect reproduction in beef and dairy herds. Neospora-related reproductive problems can arise from two different kinds of infected cattle: 1) cows or heifers that became infected by eating contaminated feed, and 2) cows or heifers that were born with Neospora and pass it on to their offspring in utero.

Managing Your Bull’s Fertility

Even though we might be a couple of months before the start of your breeding season, now is the time to really be thinking about your herd bulls.

Farm Programs During COVID19: Making Government Programs Work for You

October 15, 2021

The I-29 Moo University webinar series continues with a presentation by Megan Roberts, Minnesota Extension Ag Business Management Specialist, on Wednesday, November 4.

SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson to Retire

October 15, 2021

After 31 years of providing education and service to South Dakota livestock producers, South Dakota State University Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson has announced her retirement. Her last day is June 21.

Combating Heat Stress in Lactating Dairy Cows

With summer temperatures and higher humidity levels upon us, dairy producers need enact their heat abatement strategies on farm for all livestock.

Putting Manure Handling Safety Into Practice

As livestock producers, we should know the dangers of manure pit gases. As safety equipment improves with advancements in technology, we must provide training on proper manure handling safety protocols and the use of equipment.

Public Perception and Animal Well-Being

So you ask why is public perception and animal well-being important? Well, did you know that there is just a little over 1% of the population involved in production agriculture, today? Did you know that 98% of the people have no direct connection with how their food is produced?

High-Quality Silage Making & Safe Practices: Both are necessities

Throughout the forage growing season many producers are putting up silage piles. To this point they have been predominately forages such as haylage or small grain silage; however, we will soon be moving into corn silage cutting season.

Farm Safety: Making it a daily habit

We know that agriculture ranks as one of the most dangerous occupations causing an estimated 167 lost-work-time injuries on a daily basis, of which 5% result in permanent impairment, according to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. In addition, approximately 20 farm workers per 100,000 die annually, with the leading cause of these deaths being tractor overturns.

Dressing for the Job on Dairies Year-Round

We often check the weather before heading out the door and decide if we need a coat or not. But is the clothing we are wearing protecting us or could it add increased risk as we perform our job? A good share of producers on dairy farms, are now providing their employees with some type of uniform or clothing stipend.