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A group pen in a swine facility with plenty of space.

How Much Room Does a Pig Need?

Let’s take a moment to consider one of the animal observations from the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) Site Assessment and its impacts. Recommendations exist in facility planning books about the square footage for an animal at each phase of production.

Adding Value to the Beef Carcass: Getting to know the value cuts

New value cuts have provided value back to the beef supply chain. Alternative fabrication provides consumers with more options and increases per head carcass value.

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.

ranchers in pickup truck herding a small group of mixed cattle at pasture

Managing Stress to Reduce Early Embryonic Loss in Beef Cattle

With the majority of pregnancy losses occurring in the embryonic period, it is critical to mitigate losses in livestock by managing stress and avoiding transportation when the embryo is most susceptible to mortality.

two white pigs with pink ears and noses.

What Would African Swine Fever Look Like if it Hit the US?

The incursion and expansion of African Swine Fever (ASF) into China has raised concerns among producers and regulatory officials about the threat the disease may pose to the U.S. swine industry.

A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.

Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program

We want you! SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota Soybean Growers willing to participate in a farmer-led on-farm research program.

a bare, freshly tilled field awaiting planting.

Field Studies: What do You Mean 5 Bushels Per Acre is Not Significant?

Utilizing sound research results to help make decisions on the farm is a wise business practice. It can be confusing, however, when you see two numbers that are clearly not the same labeled as “not significantly different.”

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

Lingering Health Effects in Cows and Bulls Following a Harsh Winter and Spring

While mortality directly due to harsh winter weather is much more likely in calves rather than adult cattle, older animals can be affected too, and some of those effects might linger into the days of better weather and warmer temperatures.

Producer moving a small group of grazing cattle.

Focus on Grazing Management, Not Grazing ‘Systems’

Focusing only on the system and forgetting the fundamental truths of grazing will break any grazing strategy. Producers should instead focus on intensive management, making informed decisions based on the current conditions.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Your Cash Crop Flooded Out. What’s Plan B?

With significantly higher than normal precipitation in eastern South Dakota, many producers will soon be seeking a "Plan B" for their flooded-out row crops.