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cattle chutes are lined up in the Animal Science arena as people get their cattle ready

101st SDSU Little International: New Century, Same Legacy

April 05, 2024

South Dakota State University's Little International is set to hold this year's event on April 5 and 6 on campus at SDSU's Animal Science Arena.

A downed rural power line following an ice storm.

Caring for Animals When the Power Goes Out

Power outages bring with them a different set of circumstances to every animal operation. Questions about animal care and animal health products in the midst of electricity loss should be directed to your veterinarian.

A backup generator outside a swine facility.

Test Emergency Backup Systems in the New Year

Animal care starts with having confidence in facilities and ventilation systems that safeguard health in all weather conditions. Testing emergency backup equipment at the start of a new year is a good preventative practice.

Youth inspecting swine in pens

SDSU Extension hosting South Dakota Swine Summit for youth

June 25, 2024

Youth interested in the swine industry are invited to participate in the 2024 South Dakota Swine Summit on June 13, 2024, on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.

a herd of cattle laying on straw

Cattle Bedding and Food Safety

When most people think of farm animals, a picture of Old MacDonald’s Farm likely comes to mind with fluffy, bright yellow piles of straw in and around a barn. Cattlemen may look at bedding as just another chore along with feeding, watering, and doing health checks that promotes the well-being of the animals to grow and produce high quality food.

Small group of bison grazing winter pasture.

Considerations for Winter Bison Management

Although many tools and techniques developed for cattle management have been adapted for bison, there are some stark differences between the two species that producers should consider when managing bison on winter range.

Young, black angus cattle eating feed in a feedlot.

SDSU, UNL Extension host Siouxland Feedlot Forum

April 27, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension are hosting a Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 18, 2024, in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Producers unloading a herd of young swine from a transport vehicle.

Benefits of Transport Quality Assurance Certification

The Transport Quality Assurance® certification program from the National Pork Board is designed to promote the highest standards of animal welfare and pork quality during transportation.

Black angus calf grazing spring pasture.

Monitoring Spring Precipitation and Range Conditions

Ideal grazing management balances the acts of grazing and recovery. Monitoring precipitation, soil moisture, and forage production can help producers make informed decisions for their herds and pastures.

A herd of cattle grazing in a snowy pasture.

Do You Have To Defer Grazing on Winter Pastures?

How can ranchers improve profitability when feed typically represents well over half of cow-calf production costs? Grazing dormant winter range is a common practice to reduce costs in South Dakota. Grazing winter range when plants are completely dormant minimizes negative impacts on the function of the plant during the growing season. Separate pastures are typically designated for winter use only, often based on availability of winter shelter, water and access to stored feeds.