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Drought Planning Resources

In this episode of Cattle HQ, we focus on taking stock of current growing conditions and making key operational adjustments to manage the cattle herd and forage resources in challenging weather conditions including drought-stricken areas of the Midwest.

A black calf isolated in a feedlot.

Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Why It’s Different and How It Causes Illness

Mycoplasma bovis is widely distributed throughout feedlot cattle populations. The insidious nature of Mycoplasma infections, and their ability to become well-established by the time they’re observed, create challenges for treatment and prevention.

Hand presenting a GPS tracking tag on a black heifer cow.

GPS Tracking Ear Tags in Beef Cattle Production

GPS tracking ear tags are an exciting advancement in precision livestock technology that can improve operational efficiency, provide real-time animal monitoring, and generate alerts when animals leave designated areas.

Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Specialist, demonstrating an ultrasound machine to a group of 4-H youth.

SDSU Extension Hosts Cattle AI Day Camp at Cottonwood Field Station

December 03, 2021

Twenty 4-H youth involved in the beef project area traveled to the Cottonwood Field Station to participate in the South Dakota State University Extension Cattle AI Day Camp held Nov. 6.

Group of mixed cattle behind a feedlot fence.

Last Chance to Register for Interstate Cattle Feeders Day

November 22, 2021

Sponsored by SDSU Extension and the University of Minnesota (UMN) Extension, the program highlights several timely topics addressing key feedlot production issues.

Mixed beef cattle in a holding pen.

SDSU Extension beef team members receive training to support cattle producers

August 08, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension beef experts recently completed training that will help them continue to support South Dakota’s cattle producers.

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

Two pastures separated by a fence. The right pasture is severely overgrazed, while the neighboring pasture has more cover, but has also developed an invasive weed problem.

The Lasting Effects of Overgrazing on Rangeland Ecosystems

Overgrazing can cause various detrimental effects on rangeland ecosystems. Most of the effects are seen in the short term, but some are unseen and can be lasting.

Cow receiving veterinary treatment for hoof injury.

Getting to the Bottom of Cattle Lameness Cases: Diagnosis

Making the right decisions about how to deal with a lame animal depends on how accurately the cause of the lameness can be diagnosed and localized.

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.