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ranchers observing cattle in late winter pasture

Late-Term Reproductive Losses in Beef Cattle: Diagnosing the Cause

Reproductive losses account for $1 billion in lost revenue to the beef industry each year. With cattle reproduction, focusing on what we can control and diagnose is the key to avoiding these losses.

Hereford calf nursing from mother cow.

Updated Guidelines for Monitoring Colostrum Consumption and Antibody Transfer in Calves

Dairy and beef producers have long understood the importance of colostrum for the short- and long-term health of their calves. Calf health experts have determined the minimum level of serum protein to categorize a calf as having received sufficient colostrum.

Black cow and calf out on muddy pasture with hay and straw bedding. Photo by Sara Bauder.

Planning for a Muddy Breeding Season

Early calving spring cow herds have wrapped up calving and are preparing for breeding season. If you are having flashbacks to breeding in the mud of 2018, try approaching this year with an open mind and review breeding season protocols with a “mud” backup plan.

A calving barn.

How Often Should You Check Cows During Calving Season?

The routine “calving check” is one of the most important tasks on the list of beef cattle producers during calving season.

cattle out on a snowy white day

Cold Weather Challenges

In the event of extreme cold weather snaps, even cattlemen who have experience calving in these conditions may benefit from a review of recommendations as the calving season continues.

A father, mother and daughter walking in a field in the countryside.

SDSU Extension to Host Another Round of Workshops for Next Generation Land Seekers

December 22, 2020

According to the USDA 2017 Census of Agriculture, one in four producers is a beginning farmer with 10 or fewer years of experience.

Outside of a veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Feed Directive: What You Can’t Do With a VFD

Livestock producers and veterinarians have been adjusting to the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules put into effect on January 1, 2017. With the onset of the rules, producers need to square their previous treatment methods with what a VFD can and can’t do.

A small herd of cattle grazing in snow-covered, spring pasture.

SDSU Extension Selects Participants for Class 5 of beefSD Program

November 13, 2020

SDSU Extension has selected participants to partake in Class 5 of the beefSD program.

beefSD participants in a pasture

SDSU Extension beefSD Team Awarded $600,000 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant

November 13, 2020

On September 24, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grant investments of more than $53 million across three unique programs for U.S. farmers, ranchers and military veterans to support American agriculture.

SDSU Extension to Host Sustaining the Legacy Virtual Conference

November 13, 2020

SDSU Extension will host a Sustaining the Legacy virtual conference on December 2, 9 and 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CST each evening.