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Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Integrated Crop-Livestock Systems
An integrated crop-livestock system can provide an alternative management strategy that benefits producer’s income, soil health, and the environment—all while increasing production.
Targeted Feeding for Heifer Development
Heifer development starts with proper whole-herd nutrition year round. Reviewing the basics of heifer development starting with post-weaning selection and development is a good place to start.
Research Update: Supplement Delivery Methods for Weaned Calves
When transitioning calves through weaning, it is critical to ensure that they consume nutrients to support their immune system and to set them up for rapid, efficient gains. But what supplement delivery methods work best?
Branched Chain Amino Acids Levels in Swine Diets Containing Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles
Incorporation of dried distillers grains with solubles in swine diets above 20% can negatively impact growth performance of pigs. An imbalance in the branched chain amino acids, specifically excess leucine, is one potential explanation of this decrease in performance.
Understanding the Importance of Your Herd’s Energy Reserves
The energy reserves of a herd are a direct correlation to the nutrient supply and balance. Body condition scoring is a practical tool that is simple to implement and allows producers to analyze the energy reserves of their herd and manage winter feeding accordingly.
Watch for Pea Aphid Populations in Alfalfa
Recent reports have indicated that pea aphid populations are very large in some alfalfa fields and should continue to be monitored and possibly managed.
Winter Management of Herd Bulls
Proactive winter bull management can positively impact reproductive performance in the upcoming breeding season. Learn some expert tips for getting herd bulls prepared for the colder months ahead.
Monitor Alfalfa for Pea Aphid Activity
Pea aphids can cause yield reductions to alfalfa when large populations are present. Prolonged feeding by these populations can even cause the alfalfa fields to take on a “golden” color.
Cowpea Aphid Populations Taking off in Alfalfa
In southeast South Dakota, we are observing large cowpea aphid populations in alfalfa. Large populations can reduce yields, and, if left unmanaged, these infestations even kill the plants.
Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions
The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.