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Rancher holding a notepad beside a feed bunk.

Capitalizing on Cow Costs

Feeding cows is one area of consideration when analyzing the cost of keeping a cow through her production year. Through small management choices, we can decrease the cost of the cow while maximizing on opportunities.

Flowering Canada thistle distributing seed in a pasture.

Dense Seeding Can Reduce Canada Thistle in Planted Grasslands

Canada thistle is a common invader in grassland plantings. Over the past decade, researchers and land managers have experimented with controlling Canada thistle in planted grasslands through increasing competition from desirable plants.

4-H member Olivia Miller discussing her mental health presentation with South Dakota 4-H Program Director Tim Tanner.

South Dakota 4-H’ers Step Up to End Mental Health Stigma

November 12, 2021

Hailey Stuck, Allison Fischer and Olivia Miller have certainly done their part in raising mental health awareness across the state over the last year, as each received a purple ribbon for their Mastery Showcase exhibits at the 2021 State Fair.

Rangeland covered with dense thickets of maturing cedar trees.

Cedar Trees and Rangeland Loss

The issue of cedar tree invasion into South Dakota’s rangelands tends to be a regional conversation. There is generally broad agreement among most resource professionals that these trees are in fact changing our landscape in a negative way.

Two black angus cattle grazing on a variety of grasses.

Grass-Fed Beef: Understanding Terminology in Conventionally Raised Beef and Grass-Fed Beef

What makes grass-fed beef different from conventionally raised beef? This is perhaps the most-common and sometimes most-complex question that arises amongst those hoping to understand the similarities and differences between conventional and grass-fed beef.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing in a well-kept pasture.

Grass-Fed Beef: Market Share of Grass-Fed Beef

So, how significant is the grass-fed beef industry in America? About four percent of U.S. beef retail and food service sales is comprised by grass-fed beef with a value of roughly $4 billion.

Herd of black angus cattle grazing in a well-managed, grassland area.

Grass-Fed Beef: Production Costs, Quality, Voluntary Certifications and Marketing

Generally speaking, grass-fed beef producers are challenged with production expenses that are greater than those of conventionally raised beef. However, profit margins can be greater than those of conventionally raised beef if marketed wisely and creatively.

From left: Meadow deathcamas in a South Dakota prairie rangeland. Silvery Lupine in a rangeland in South Dakota.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Deathcamas and Lupine

With prolonged drought conditions throughout many areas of South Dakota, there is an increase of invasive weeds and poisonous plants on rangelands. Identification of poisonous plants is crucial to ensure livestock production is not compromised.

Lone sheep grazing drought-stressed rangeland.

Drought Considerations for Grazing Range Flocks

Having a drought plan in place to best manage pastures is critical in being prepared for next year’s grazing season. Make decisions that will manage risk and promote both flock and financial longevity.

Producer and USDA Farm Service Agency agent reviewing forms on a desk.

Qualifying Livestock Forage Program Applications

As drought conditions worsen, livestock producers will find feed assistance from the Livestock Forage Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Learn how to qualify, apply and certify your application for assistance.