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Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

Preparing for the Calving Season

Calving season is a busy time of year as beef producers prepare themselves for less sleep each night, while spending more time observing cows close to calving. So, what can we do to make calving season less stressful for everyone involved?

A herd of cattle grazing in a snowy pasture.

Do You Have To Defer Grazing on Winter Pastures?

How can ranchers improve profitability when feed typically represents well over half of cow-calf production costs? Grazing dormant winter range is a common practice to reduce costs in South Dakota. Grazing winter range when plants are completely dormant minimizes negative impacts on the function of the plant during the growing season. Separate pastures are typically designated for winter use only, often based on availability of winter shelter, water and access to stored feeds.

Jugs lined up outside with snow inside.

Winter Sowing in the Northern Great Plains

Winter sowing is a technique used to start seeds that have a requirement for cold stratification, including many native perennials. View some expert tips and a step-by-step guide for getting started.

Two meat inspectors walking along a line of hanging beef carcasses.

Impacts of Beef Hot Carcass Weight on Steak Palatability

The beef industry is constantly evolving, with producers striving for maximum efficiency and high product quality. Recent research at South Dakota State University evaluated the impact of beef hot carcass weight and product aging on steak palatability.

an irrigator spraying water in a corn field

Subirrigation

Why is it important to know what the system needs before installing subirrigation?

Subsurface Drip Irrigation: Increased Efficiency for Irrigation and Nutrient Delivery

Subsurface drip irrigation maintenance, lifespan, and cost, the variables that can impact subsurface drip irrigation design.

Four blooms are shown in close-up, one multi-colored, one white, one fuschia and one orange-and-pink

SDSU Extension publishes zinnia research for cut flower producers

October 18, 2024

Kristine Lang, assistant professor and SDSU Extension Consumer Horticulture Specialist, managed the research trials. Over two years, Lang and her team monitored the growth and quality of four popular zinnia varieties: Zinderella Peach, Oklahoma Ivory, Queen Red Lime and Benary’s Giant Purple.

A close-up photo of a plant with thick, waxy leaves that are pointed. There is a pink, feathery flower in the center of the waxy leaves.

How to Care for Succulents Indoors

Succulents are popular, low-maintenance house plants that will grow in your home year-round. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing and caring for them in this resource!

Cattle grazing corn residue in late fall.

Why Cropland Grazing Now?

The evidence is consistent: cropland grazing delivers measurable economic returns, proven soil health benefits, and growing adoption in South Dakota.

Variety of different-colored beef calves in a pen.

Crossbreeding Systems – Maximizing Heterosis & Profit

By using planned breed combinations, producers can improve traits like growth, reproduction, and overall herd performance, helping make better financial and management decisions.