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SDSU Extension welcomes new swine field specialist

March 11, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Kaylyn Rudy as the new SDSU Extension Swine Field Specialist.

Professional portrait of Rafe Royall

SDSU Extension welcomes new swine specialist

March 11, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Rafe Royall as a new assistant professor and SDSU Extension Swine Specialist.

Youth inspecting swine in pens

SDSU Extension hosting 2025 Swine Summit for youth

March 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to host the 2025 South Dakota Swine Summit on June 12, 2025, on the SDSU campus in Brookings.

A globe sitting on many 100 dollar bills

SDSU Extension publishes study on ag cooperative impact in SD, ND and MN

March 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension has published a study on the economic impact of agricultural cooperatives in the Upper Midwest.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Pre-weaning Pneumonia in South Dakota Beef Herd: A Persistent Problem, Suddenly Gone

This case report describes a southeastern South Dakota cow-calf herd’s experiences with pre-weaning pneumonia. Unlike many beef herds that experience pneumonia in calves on pasture, this herd’s problems were consistent year after year: widespread calf illness was documented in each of 6 consecutive summers. Anecdotally at least, the occurrence of pre-weaning pneumonia in beef herds is more likely to be sporadic and unpredictable from year to year. This herd’s persistent problems were followed by a year in which, after a change in calf vaccination protocol (informed by herd diagnostics), very little pre-weaning pneumonia was observed.

Group of mixed cattle grazing drought-stressed pasture.

Maintaining Cow Herds in Times of Limited Fall and Winter Moisture

Lack of moisture has been a common theme for a majority of beef cattle producers in the Northen Great Plains the last few years. These conditions cause beef producers to stretch grazing resources and feed inventory reserves.

Three people smile for the camera; the woman in the middle holds up a certificate in a glass frame

Watertown entrepreneur wins SDSU Extension business plan contest

March 24, 2025

A Watertown woman won a South Dakota State University Extension Community Vitality business plan contest with her compelling plan for a cancer support group.

A veterinarian and producer observing a group of animals in a facility.

Bangs Vaccine and Talking to Your Veterinarian

As spring arrives, many cattlemen have selected their replacement heifers for breeding and should be considering pre-breeding and brucellosis vaccination in their replacement females as soon as possible to set them up for a successful breeding season.

Cropland illustrating soil surface cover in instances where there is and is not rye cover crops planted.

Conserving Soil Moisture During Dry Conditions

Dry conditions can create difficulties for agricultural producers. Using soil health principles can improve the resilience of agricultural systems to dry conditions.

Small group of black cattle grazing a grassland area.

Increasing Adaptability With Alternative Grazing Strategies

The greatest sum in most cattle budgets is simply keeping cows fed. Whether grazing cropland or grassland, there are countless opportunities to improve your operation's bottom line through alternative grazing strategies.