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Group of bulls in a pen with winter bedding.

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.

Blank angus cattle at a concrete feed bunk.

Preconditioning Calves: Is it the right choice?

Preconditioning involves weaning calves at least 45 days in preparation to enter the stocker phase or directly into the feedlot. Learn some important tips to help determine if it's the right choice for your operation.

A woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera

SDSU Extension welcomes new beef nutrition specialist to Sioux Falls office

September 19, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Madison Kovarna as a new Beef Nutrition Field Specialist.

Black angus cow drinking from a waterer.

Weather and Water Intake in Beef Cattle

Water is a vital nutrient for beef cattle health and performance, and it is important to understand how weather can influence water intake during periods of warmer and cooler weather.

Understanding Protein in Feed

Cattle producers are likely accustomed to seeing common abbreviations, such as CP, RDP, RUP, and MP, in relation to feedstuffs. Let's revisit what some of these abbreviations mean in relation to protein in cattle feed.

A brown cow grazing near a frozen creek.

Icebreakers: Winter Water Supply

Cold weather creates a challenge for producers who house their herds in areas where there are limited water resources and available natural water sources may be frozen over.

Large herd of black angus cattle eating from a feedbunk.

Ruminants: A Digestive Powerhouse

Ruminants such as cattle are important animals, as they turn forage into high-quality protein, such as meat and milk. It is important to understand their digestive system so we can better support their unique role in our food chain.

Mother cow feeding in a snow-covered field.

Feeding for the Future: Maternal Protein Intake

Maternal nutrition is extremely important, not only to the cow, but also to its unborn calf, which relies solely on its mother for nutrition. Learn some expert tips for getting your cows and their calves off to a great start.

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.

Three calving books on display: Rite in the Rain book, SDSU Extension IRM Redbook, and the K-State cow/calf record book.

Calving Books: Don’t Judge a Book by Its Cover

Calving books are an essential record-keeping component for cow-calf operations. Learn some expert tips for finding a book that best suits your operation and employees.