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Holstein Dairy Calves lying in fresh straw, wearing calf blankets to help keep warm.

Managing Un-Weaned Dairy Calves During Cold Weather

Winter can present extra challenges for dairy producers and heifer growers as they try to keep calves alive and growing adequately in frigid temperatures.

A close up view of the stem of palmer amaranth which is hairless.

Identification and Management of Palmer Amaranth in South Dakota

Guide for the identification and management of Palmer Amaranth in South Dakota

two black beetles rolling a ball of dung

An identification guide to common Dung Beetles of South Dakota

A guide of common dung beetles of South Dakota.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.

A young girl playing with colored wooden blocks.

Playing With Blocks

Who remembers building glorious structures and towers with wooden blocks? And then having a sibling knock them down and having to rebuild it over again? There are so many learning experiences with building and making mistakes in block play.

A red angus cow with two unweaned calves attempting to suckle from it.

Alternative Calving Considerations

Structuring a calving program that best suites farm and ranch operations can be challenging. Of primary concern are: weather, labor, market timing, and animal health considerations, with weather possibly being the most volatile factor, as it ranges from challenging to catastrophic in some years.

A close shot of a black and red cow's face. A blurred white cow's head is in the foreground.

Testing Your Beef Cattle for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is among the most important pathogens affecting today’s beef and dairy cattle operations. Associated with reproductive, digestive, and respiratory illnesses in cattle, the virus can also create a congenital, persistent infection in calves, greatly aiding the virus’ spread within and between herds.

an image with several young people with awards they have won

South Dakota 4-H Members Compete in Livestock Judging Contest at 2019 North American International Livestock Exposition

January 13, 2020

South Dakota 4-H youth from Clark, Deuel and McCook counties competed in the 2019 National 4-H Livestock Judging Contest held on Nov. 19, 2019, in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Kentucky.

Almonds, a tablespoon of oil, and almond butter sitting on a countertop

How to Make a Safe Nut Butter

During the last few years the popularity of plant-based butters has increased considerably. These plant-based nut butters have proven to be good sources of protein, fiber, essential fatty acids and other nutrients and may include soy butter, almond butter, pistachio butter, cashew butter, sesame butter, and so on.

A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.

Livestock Stress Tool

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.