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Sheep standing at feed bunk

Applications open for SDSU Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program

August 02, 2023

Applications are now available for the second South Dakota State University Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program. The program is for sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full- or part-time sheep operation.

Two cattle eating forage in a snowy field.

Winter Mineral Nutrition for Beef Cows

Winter supplementation often focuses heavily on meeting protein and energy requirements of cows and tends to leave mineral nutrition as almost an afterthought. In reality, meeting all nutrient requirements, including energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water are equally important.

Close-up of a sheep’s nose, mouth, and teeth.

Mouthing Sheep for Age and the Value of Dental Condition

Dental problems in sheep can lead to long-term loss of production and decreased lifespan. Mouthing is a valuable tool for making culling decisions or identifying age when purchasing sheep.

Small group of cattle grazing a vast, well-managed rangeland.

Holistic Ranch Management Helps With Economic and Climate Resilience

Holistic ranch management offers ways to think about ranching as part of a diverse ecological system. Learn how two South Dakota operations have leveraged it to generate multiple income streams from shared resources.

Eliza Blue, a self described “writer, folk singer, and accidental rancher" in Bison, South Dakota.

Eliza Blue

In this episode of Home Starts Here, Josh and Kara meet with Eliza Blue, a self-described “writer, folk singer, and accidental rancher.” 

Bird's eye view of Dakotafest

SDSU Extension booth at 2023 Dakotafest to feature livestock, soil and range experts

August 07, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension experts will be at the 2023 Dakotafest to provide information on a range of agricultural and economic issues, from the use of prescribed fire to livestock to weed and soil management.

Are your farm employees ready for low temperatures?

Winter is here and snow and icy roads will increase the risk for accidents. Getting ready to leave the house and going to work on the snow and ice might be a problem for inexperienced people.

Volunteers working on a community construction project.

Our Community Will Never Change

Change is inevitable in all small towns, but communities have a choice to either let change happen passively or work together to direct it in a way that moves their shared vision into the future.

Sheep producer moving a flock at pasture.

Will Your Summer Pastures Meet Your Flock’s Needs?

Sheep can readily thrive on pasture in the summer. However, monitoring forage quality and meeting mineral requirements on range is important to optimize production.

Silage pile covered with tarp and weighted down with tires.

Silage Covering and Harvest Management to Maximize Feed Value

Covering silage piles is critically important to control nutrient loss in silage, but what covering strategies result in the best-quality feed? Learn what a recent SDSU Extension research project found out.