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A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator

Calculator for inventorying livestock and forage on hand to determine additional forage purchase needs, or livestock sales.

A brochure that says "Energize 2025" sits on a table with red roses laying next to it

SDSU Extension welcomes new Community Vitality Field Specialist

November 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Dacia Hilkemeier as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.

Decoding Bison: Refining the Bison Body Condition Score

Body condition scoring is an effective management tool as it allows managers to safely assess the health of their mature animals quickly and non-invasively.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

4-H youth washing a black beef cow in preparation for a fair.

Fairs are a big part of youth livestock programs, but they come with a responsibility to care for animals the right way. With a few extra steps, you’ll be doing your part to keep your animals, your barn, and your community healthy, now and for the seasons to come.

Ranchers meeting with USDA agents in a farmyard.

A Disaster-Ready Strategy for Cattle Operations

Cattle producers can minimize risk and maximize resilience. Having a written emergency action plan and routine exercise of the plan helps ensure animal welfare and business continuity.

Three ranchers riding horseback in the summer sun.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: Protecting Your Operation

During periods of extreme heat, operations must take additional steps to protect their employees from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Left: Small group of cattle in a bud box pen. Right: Cattle gathered in a round tub structure.

Bud Box vs. Round Tub Systems

Cattle working systems have evolved, giving producers more options than ever before. Two of the most popular designs today are the bud box and the round tub.

Producers working cattle in a holding pen.

What Cattle Working Facilities Are the Best?

Research is continually being conducted to better understand cattle behaviors and develop working facilities that work with them. Learn some basic aspects of working facilities so you can design a system that best fits your operation.

A black cow restrained in a chute with a small table of vaccination equipment to the side.

Injection Site Lesions

Injection site lesions can cause damage to costly beef cuts. The Beef Quality Assurance program aims to educate producers on proper injection site management, reducing the occurrence of lesions and leading to better-quality beef.