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A young man collecting a water sample from a pond using a water dipper.

Performing a Field Test for Livestock Water Quality

Learn how to use some simple, readily available tools that can help analyze the quality of your livestock water sources right in the field.

Cornstalk bales in a snow-dusted field of harvested corn.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

Grazing and baling corn stalks can offer producers financial and agronomic benefits, and also provide feed resources for cattle producers. Learn how to determine if it's the right decision for your operation.

Several black beef cattle close together feeding.

Understanding the Importance of Your Herd’s Energy Reserves

The energy reserves of a herd are a direct correlation to the nutrient supply and balance. Body condition scoring is a practical tool that is simple to implement and allows producers to analyze the energy reserves of their herd and manage winter feeding accordingly.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

Using Corn Silage in Sheep Diet Formulations

Many Midwest producers have limited options for their primary forage source this year and, must utilize ear-less corn stalks as silage for their in livestock feeding systems. Despite the lack of ears on stalks in some areas the resultant corn stover silage is still expected to contain 80% of expected level of energy under normal growing conditions.

Silhouettes of a small group of cattle against a sunset.

Economic Impact of the Beef Industry on South Dakota

The beef industry in South Dakota makes a significant contribution to economic output and development in the state. As of January 1st, 2012 there were 1,610,000 beef cows in South Dakota. These cows produced 1,710,000 calves during the year and the industry produced an estimated $2,283,766,027 in gross income during 2012 (South Dakota Agriculture 2013).

A small group of red-colored calves grazing late-season rangeland.

Meeting Growing Calf Requirements With Protein Supplementation While Winter Grazing

Due to their growth requirements, growing calves need higher-quality nutrition than cows, and they will require more protein and energy supplementation when grazing winter range.

A slatted floor with an open area. A hose is running into the open area.

New Technology for an Old Problem

One of the last projects I was involved with as coordinator for the Lower James River Watershed Project was the installation of a deep pit monoslope barn for a feedlot operation near Alexandria, SD. A deep pit confinement barn is a manure storage system that employs slatted flooring with pit manure storage underneath.

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Are Ionophores the Key for Managing Coccidiosis in Calves?

Ionophores are feed additives commonly used in cattle diets to increase feed efficiency and growth.

Two red angus cows with their calves at pasture.

The Cost of Late Calvers

Pounds of beef sold is a key number for cattlemen. Late calvers the cows that drag out the calving season, may cost producers more than extra work and management, they may actually be costing dollars.

Are You Moving Enough Air in Your Calving Barn? Part 3: Ventilation requirements

Appropriate environments for calving barns are critical to give calves the best start when being born in cold weather. Calves require a dry, clean environment, with lots of fresh air and protection from the wind. A dry and clean environment is critical to avoid transmission of both scours and respiratory disease organisms, and this is primarily accomplished by providing clean bedding and proper ventilation.