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Mother cow with calf in a dry, drought-stressed rangeland.

SDSU Extension to Provide Drought Resources, Water and Forage Testing at Dakotafest

August 05, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension invites crop and livestock producers to its new booth location, #216, at the 2021 Dakotafest in Mitchell, South Dakota.

Hereford heifers feeding from trough during drought.

Livestock Tools for Managing Through Drought

As drought conditions continue, ranchers are faced with making some difficult decisions. South Dakota State University Extension offers multiple tools and resources that can be used to help make the best management decisions for your operation.

grove of trees with noticable yellowing and browning on leaves

Trees & Drought Stress

Trees require a lot of water to meet their functional needs and long-term shortages can influence their growth and survival.

A black cow restrained in a chute with a small table of vaccination equipment to the side.

Injection Site Lesions

Injection site lesions can cause damage to costly beef cuts. The Beef Quality Assurance program aims to educate producers on proper injection site management, reducing the occurrence of lesions and leading to better-quality beef.

South Dakota Watershed Academy Logo

SDSU Extension Hosts First South Dakota Watershed Academy

SDSU Extension recently hosted the South Dakota Watershed Academy at the Oak Lake Field Station. The workshop was designed and organized in consultation with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide information on water resources regulation and monitoring.

Herd of cattle grazing in a pasture rotation.

General Principals of Grazing Management

Grazing involves a number of variables, including land carrying capacity, type and distribution of the livestock, water distribution and number of pastures. A combination of proper grazing techniques and grassland management will improve harvest efficiency and lower production costs.

Picture shows a dense and diverse cover crop mix grown after cereal grain. The cover crop is very green with many brassica and grass plants growing. The top third of the picture is the sky with some gray clouds.

South Dakota Land Use Trends (2012-2017)

Significant education efforts for natural resource conservation have occurred in South Dakota during the last five years. Many stakeholder groups have brought awareness for soil health and water quality to the forefront.

small group of cattle eating forage

Feeding Drought-Stressed Crops to Cattle

Can drought-stressed crops be be utilized as feed? The answer is yes, if we know what the levels of nitrates are in the feedstuffs in question.

A loader depositing soil into a trailer being pulled behind a tractor.

Summer Maintenance in Outside Yards

Spring mud and poor drainage are two of the biggest production drags associated with feeding cattle outside. Summer months represent an opportunity to address and correct any problems that might be present in open lots.

Black angus calf standing near a cattle shelter.

Colostrum Puts the Best Hoof Forward

Newborn calves have little to no immune system upon birth. One of the keys to starting them out right is ensuring that they receive enough colostrum, which is packed full of nutrients and antibodies.