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Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

A small group of black angus cattle in a feedlot.

Bigger Cattle. Warmer Weather. What Can Go Wrong?

The disruptions in the beef processing sector caused by COVID-19 continue to interfere with the orderly marketing of finished cattle. While we all hope that the situation is resolved quickly, the reality is that because the shipment of so many harvest-ready cattle has been delayed, there will be increased numbers of heavier cattle on feed for the foreseeable future.

Two female dairy workers in a milking parlor. USDA Photo by Aaron Lavelle

Challenges of Employee Turnover: Product quality and consistency

High employee turnover can lead to inconsistent animal production or potentially lower quality products, both meat and milk. How is this possible? Is it because cattle get accustomed to routines and the people who perform tasks in their home environment?

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing in a vast, open range. Courtesy: U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Census of Agriculture Cattle Insights

The "2017 Census of Agriculture" is a valuable source for insights related to cattle operations at the state level. There were 13,928 operations across South Dakota with cattle in 2017, and the total inventory was 3,988,183 head.

A rancher and RMA agent reviewing insurance paperwork beside a off-road vehicle.

Livestock Risk Protection for Cattle

Price rallies, general price volatility and concern that prices may move lower could lead producers to insure livestock prices. Livestock Risk Protection is an insurance program that covers the single-peril or risk of lower prices on fed cattle and feeder cattle.

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Monthly Cattle Prices and Basis Levels

Effective marketing and risk management techniques often rely on sound benchmarks. Those marketing cattle need reasonable metrics to evaluate received and expected prices.

Small group of brown cows and calves in a pasture saturated with rain water.

Considerations for Beef Producers Following a Flood Event

In the aftermath of a flood event, there are several different items to be considered for beef herds. View some tips and resources for protecting your family, your herd, and your bottom line following a flood.

A group of mixed cattle in a feedlot.

Adding Value to Corn Through Cattle

What is the “best” way to evaluate profitability of an enterprise, more specifically feeding cattle?

a sprawling soybean field with a farm in the background

Soybeans & Sunflowers: Alternative Cattle Forages

Alternative forages like soybean silage or hay, and sunflower silage, can help stretch conventional forage supplies and help avoid overgrazing pasture.