Livestock

All Livestock Content

Register now for 2025 Swine Day with SDSU Extension

October 17, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension invites swine producers and industry members to attend SDSU Swine Day on Nov. 4, 2025, in Brookings.

Variety of different-colored beef calves in a pen.

Crossbreeding Systems – Maximizing Heterosis & Profit

By using planned breed combinations, producers can improve traits like growth, reproduction, and overall herd performance, helping make better financial and management decisions.

Dried corn growing in a field with visible damage and molding.

Mycotoxins: Should you be concerned?

Environmental stress caused by the weather or damaged crops increases the potential for mold and mycotoxin development. Learn some answers to common questions about mycotoxins and how to manage them.

SDSU Extension Announces Interim Leadership Roles

September 24, 2025

The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences has announced interim roles for several SDSU Extension leadership positions.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

Receiving New Calves into the Feedlot

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Dr. Warren Rusche and Dr. Zach Smith, South Dakota State University Assistant Professors based out of Brookings, SD, discuss tips on sourcing and receiving new calves into the feedlot.

Producer examining a head of milo growing in a field.

Replacing Corn With Milo in Cattle Diets

Corn is king when it comes to cattle diets, especially in the Corn Belt. However, that does not mean that corn grain is our only option. Milo (grain sorghum) can be a viable option under certain market conditions.

Four people stand on the 20-yard line of a football field. There are two men on the far left and far right. In the middle is a man handing a woman a wooden plaque in the shape of South Dakota.

Rook named 2025 Friend of the Beef Industry

September 15, 2025

Michelle Rook has been named the 2025 Recipient of the South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry award for her contributions to the South Dakota beef industry.

SDSU Extension welcomes new crop and livestock field specialist

September 12, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Parker Witt as a new Crop and Livestock Field Specialist.

Dairy Production in South Dakota: Growth and Consolidation

Research has found continued growth in dairy production in South Dakota over the past two decades, with most growth concentrated in large operations in Eastern South Dakota, indicating a trend of consolidation with large farms in concentrated regions.