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Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) in South Dakota 4-H resources
About YQCA – the national program
Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) is a national multi-species quality assurance program for youth ages 8 to 21 with a focus on three core pillars: food safety, animal well-being, and character development. The YQCA program is an annual certification created for youth producing and/or showing beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, swine, poultry, and rabbits. The program has been designed by extension specialists and national livestock program managers to ensure it is accurate, current and relevant to the needs of the animal industry and shows, and is appropriate for youth learning levels.
Ditch Hay: Harvesting, Quality, and Feeding
Using ditch hay to feed cattle is a common practice across the U.S. It provides livestock producers with a source of readily available forage, which can be very useful, particularly during feed shortages.
South Dakota Student Water Conference
The South Dakota Student Water Conference will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the University Student Union (1421 Student Union Ln, Brookings, SD 57007).
Lameness in Cattle: Causes Associated With Injury
Most cattle in pastures and feedlots are exposed to multiple potential causes of injury. Learn some of the injury-related causes of lameness in cattle, starting with the foot and working our way up.
Making Waves in Pasture Water Systems (Part 1)
In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Pete Bauman, a SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, and Wayne Vincent from Common Sense Solar.
Senior Design Project Has Potential to Become Lake Mitchell Water Quality Project
SDSU Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering students, as a senior design project, recommended constructing a retention structure on a property near Lake Mitchell in order to reduce the phosphorus content entering the lake.
Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle
High temperatures, humidity and low air movement create the perfect storm for heat stress in feedlots. Learn some expert tips for maintaining performance and reducing losses as we approach the hottest months of the year.
Water Rights in a Time of Drought
During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.
Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water
Hot summer days are still ahead, and we need to account for water. The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, lactation status and weight.
Making Waves in Pasture Water Systems (Part 2)
In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna finishes the conversation with Pete Bauman, a Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, from SDSU Extension and Wayne Vincent from Common Sense Solar.