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Oats growing in a South Dakota field in late July.

Annual Forage Rainfall Index Insurance: A Risk Management Tool for South Dakota Producers

Drought remains a recurring challenge for South Dakota livestock and forage producers. Annual Forage Rainfall Index insurance is one tool that may help reduce the financial risk associated with below-average precipitation.

Two producers observing an in-field cattle watering unit.

Water Monitoring Systems for Livestock

Depending on animal locations, checking water tanks can require hours of labor and significant fuel costs for remote pastures. Water monitoring systems offer producers a convenient way to check the status of the water sources remotely.

13 participate in first SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field School

November 01, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension hosted its first Precision Livestock Field School from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2023, at the Cottonwood Field Station near Philip, South Dakota.

Logan Vandermark stands outside in front of a brick building

SDSU Extension welcomes new precision livestock field specialist

July 24, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Logan Vandermark to the role of precision livestock field specialist.

beefSD participants in a pasture

beefSD

beefSD is an intensive educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef enterprise management.

A trailer with the SDSU Extension logo and aerial footage of landscapes is shown

SDSU Extension leads the way in precision livestock research and use

June 09, 2026

It may seem like major cities have the advantage on cutting-edge research, but for precision range and livestock research, look to South Dakota. The primary hub of that research is conducted at the Cottonwood Field Station, a 2,640-acre station in western South Dakota’s grasslands.

A trailer with the SDSU Extension logo and aerial footage of landscapes is shown

SDSU Extension helps producers navigate precision ag

May 28, 2025

Precision agriculture practices are growing as technology continues to evolve, and SDSU Extension is leading the state’s efforts to monitor and understand the role it plays.

Black angus cattle in a feedlot.

SDSU Extension accepting applications for Class 7 of beefSD Program

July 08, 2024

Participation in the beefSD program is an opportunity for producers to learn about all aspects of the beef industry and develop skills needed to be successful beef business managers.

Black cattle equipped with virtual fencing collars grazing rangeland.

SDSU Extension offering workshop on virtual fencing

December 20, 2023

“Virtual Fencing 101: Expectations and Considerations” is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, on Jan. 11, 2024, at the Box Elder Events Center. It is free to attend.

SDSU Extension precision livestock field day canceled

December 04, 2023

The Precision Livestock Management Field Day in Brookings has been canceled.