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Producer inspecting an inventory of farm-raised, frozen beef in a freezer.

Raising Freezer Beef: Meeting Customer Expectations

A variety of factors may lead consumers to purchase beef directly from a producer. When purchasing freezer beef, most consumers expect an eating experience that would be as good or better than buying beef from retail.

filed of sunflowers in bloom

2021 South Dakota Pest Management Guides Now Available

February 04, 2021

SDSU Extension has released the 2021 South Dakota Pest Management Guides.

Small group of beef cattle approaching a pressed mineral block.

Mineral Consumption Calculator

Mineral consumption is key to determining whether or not nutrient requirements are being met. The mineral consumption calculator was developed as a tool to make monitoring and tracking consumption easier.

a woman and a man checking a wheat field

SDSU Extension to host Wheat Walks in June

May 13, 2021

The 2021 Wheat Walks are slated for June 2 and 3 and will be held near Pierre, Clark and Mount Vernon.

Young corn seedlings emerging from a spring field.

Watch Closely for Weed Emergence

Cool, dry conditions have slowed weed emergence and growth, but dry conditions also have limited the activation of preemergent chemicals. Given this scenario, fields need to be scouted closely to ensure that weeds do not get away.

Round hay bales loaded on transport trailers.

Haul the Feed or the Cows

Reduction in pasture forage availability may require producers to decide between hauling feed or hauling cows. Learn how to decide which option is best for your operation.

Cattle feeding on supplemental forage distributed on winter range.

Winter Cow Supplementation and Cold Stress

Extreme winter weather makes it challenging to meet a cow’s nutrient requirements. With below-normal temperatures come challenges of ensuring adequate nutrition and protection for livestock, including being prepared to provide additional feed and shelter.

Three cattle feeding on supplemental forage near cornstalks.

Supplementing Cows on Crop Residue

During winter, it is a common practice to have cows graze crop residue. This helps reduce the amount of forage needed to maintain a cow for part of the year, while reducing annual feed costs. However, cows may eventually need supplementation when grazing crop residues.

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.

Group of mixed calves in a feedlot.

SDSU Extension Opens Registration for 2020-2021 Calf Value Discovery Program

October 14, 2020

SDSU Extension Opens Registration for 2020-2021 Calf Value Discovery Program