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Ag Business

Modern agriculture requires savvy financial planning and strategy.

Developing Replacement Heifers During Drought Conditions and High Hay Prices

High-priced hay does not necessarily mean replacement heifers cannot be developed cost-effectively. Alternative feed resources and strategic feeding programs can help producers meet growth targets while stretching limited forage supplies.

Hauling Water to Cows: When water is not everywhere

When drought hits, water failing to fall from the sky is not the only place water is missing. Dugouts, ponds, and creeks also dry up quickly, and the need to haul water may exist to keep cattle grazing.

Drought Emergency Order Provides Flexibility for Forage Transportation

The recent extension of the State of South Dakota’s Drought Emergency Executive Order will provide livestock producers with flexibility to transport harvested forage. The order allows qualifying producers and commercial haulers to continue transporting oversized loads of baled livestock feed under emergency permitting provisions.

Sheep & Goats

South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production. And the industry is growing.

Forage-Based Heifer Development Systems

Forage-based heifer development systems offer producers a practical opportunity to reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable reproductive performance. By effectively utilizing available forage resources, heifers can be developed efficiently with reduced reliance on harvested feeds.

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2026 Dakotafest

July 22, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2026 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

Resources for Early Weaning Beef Calves

Early weaning calves is one way to decrease nutrient demands of the cow herd and extend grazing days during adverse weather conditions. Learn some important management strategies to consider before weaning younger calves.