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A mother and daughter doing pushups.

Impacts in Individual and Family Wellness

The Family, Food and Wellness team provides research-based programs and resources to promote long-term wellness habits for individuals, families and communities.

Small group of black angus cattle grazing in a rolling, well-managed rangeland.

Impacts in Livestock Systems

South Dakota producers face new challenges each day. SDSU Extension is your partner, providing resources and expertise to help meet production goals in beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats.

A closeup of a sheep's face. The sheep looks to be in pain.

Sore Mouth: A “Pox” Virus for Sheep

Just like in children or adults who contract the dreaded chicken pox, sheep and goats can catch their own similar “pox” virus called Sore Mouth, technically known as Contagious Ecthyma. This health problem is most recognizable by red blisters or thick brown scabs on the skin around the lips or muzzle area.

Two producers observing an in-field cattle watering unit.

Water Monitoring Systems for Livestock

Depending on animal locations, checking water tanks can require hours of labor and significant fuel costs for remote pastures. Water monitoring systems offer producers a convenient way to check the status of the water sources remotely.

Mixed cattle grazing corn stalks.

Corn Stalk Rental Rates

Corn stalk acres have long been a source of feed for livestock producers. But how much should producers charge to graze them, and what factors should they consider when developing a rental agreement?

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Dangers and Safety Precautions With Liquid Nitrogen

If you artificially inseminate, you have been exposed to liquid nitrogen. Even though it is commonly used in livestock production, it is critical to follow safety procedures, because it is very dangerous.

Several cows and cow-calf pairs at pasture.

Equation of Reproductive Efficiency

The key factors to reproductive success in beef cattle are proper management, nutrition, health, and selection, while reproductive technologies can enhance management if the previous factors are in sync.

Cattle grazing corn stalks.

The Cost of Grazing Stalks

Grazing corn stalks can be a low-cost feed option that gets herds off pastures and saves harvested forages for winter months. Review some important management and nutrition considerations before starting it on your operation.

Mixed calves at an in-field bunk feeder.

Backgrounding at Different Rates of Gain

The purpose of backgrounding is to increase calf body weight after weaning and before finishing. A recent study investigated the effects of different backgrounding systems on growing calf performance.

high-quality headshot of James Doyle

SDSU Extension welcomes new Diversified Ag Field Specialist to Winner office

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Jimmy Doyle as a new Diversified Agriculture Field Specialist.