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Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Are Ionophores the Key for Managing Coccidiosis in Calves?

Ionophores are feed additives commonly used in cattle diets to increase feed efficiency and growth.

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 red angus cows with their calves at pasture.

The Cost of Late Calvers

Pounds of beef sold is a key number for cattlemen. Late calvers the cows that drag out the calving season, may cost producers more than extra work and management, they may actually be costing dollars.

SDSU Extension 4-H members win at Western National Roundup

February 29, 2024

It was a strong showing for SDSU Extension 4-H members, including a grand champion finish for Delaney Zoss from Sanborn County, who won the horse division’s individual demonstration for her talk on equine color genetics.

Are You Moving Enough Air in Your Calving Barn? Part 3: Ventilation requirements

Appropriate environments for calving barns are critical to give calves the best start when being born in cold weather. Calves require a dry, clean environment, with lots of fresh air and protection from the wind. A dry and clean environment is critical to avoid transmission of both scours and respiratory disease organisms, and this is primarily accomplished by providing clean bedding and proper ventilation.

Ranch family examining a red calving record book near a herd of cattle.

Calving Records 101

Complete and well-maintained calving records provide valuable information that can be used to improve and evaluate operations. Learn some expert tips for getting your records off to a great start this calving season.

Producer holding soil in cupped hands over a bare field in early spring.

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of Healthy Soils

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the soil is essential for soil biochemical functioning. Learn some expert tips on managing soil to create an ideal ratio of these critical elements.

Cattle at a concrete feed bunk at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Case Study: Effect of Adding More Concrete to Open Pens

Mud caused by excessive precipitation dramatically reduces cattle performance. Pouring additional concrete and working on improving pen surfaces are approaches that can improve poor-weather performance in an open yard.

Woman using a grazing stick to measure forage status.

Using the ‘Grazing Stick’ To Assess Pasture Forage

Assessing pasture forage is a key step in planning grazing strategies. A grazing stick is a tool that uses simple math and measurements to determine herd size, stocking rates and available grazing days. We will address how to use a grazing stick in this article.

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.