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Ranch family examining data on a smart phone.

Feed Costs Still a Large Percentage of the Cow Budget

Monitoring, managing, and minimizing feed costs while maintaining a balanced ration is one way to maximize profit potential in the cow herd. Learn some expert tips for creating a least-cost ration.

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).

Cattle grazing snow-dusted winter pasture.

Protecting Your Pastures While Winter Grazing

Winter grazing of stockpiled grass produced during the growing season can help extend the grazing season and reduce winter feed costs. Learn some strategies to successfully incorporate winter grazing into your operation.

Six young women hold up blue and yellow lamb pelts emblazoned with "SDSU" and the Jackrabbit logo

32nd Lamb Bonanza to showcase sheep industry during SDSU basketball game

December 12, 2023

Six lamb pelts will be auctioned during the Lamb Bonanza, which is Jan. 13, 2024, at the SDSU Frost Arena in Brookings. The game starts at 2 p.m. and features SDSU versus University of Denver.

Black cattle equipped with virtual fencing collars grazing rangeland.

SDSU Extension offering workshop on virtual fencing

December 20, 2023

“Virtual Fencing 101: Expectations and Considerations” is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT, on Jan. 11, 2024, at the Box Elder Events Center. It is free to attend.

A close shot of a cow's eye. The cow seems to be in pain.

Toe Abscess (Toe Tip Necrosis) in Feeder Cattle

Toe abscess (toe tip necrosis) is most commonly seen in feedlot cattle and is likely subsequent to excessive abrasive damage to the hoof, especially the toe tip. Feet may become infected when the white line is damaged which opens the claw to bacteria, dirt and manure.

A black calf with a red ear tag and grain crumbs on its nose looks at the camera, as other calves feed around it

SDSU Extension to host webinar on backgrounding calves

December 15, 2023

Backgrounding Fundamentals is from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. CST/11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT on Jan. 10, 17 and 24, 2024.

A single black cow grazing late-season pasture.

Meeting Cow Requirements While Winter Grazing

Regardless of grazing strategy, it is critical that producers provide proper supplementation to allow cows to meet nutrient requirements throughout the winter grazing season.

Aerial view of a cattle operation.

Carbon Markets and Beef Production: Overview

Learn about the Carbon Markets and Beef Production program, which aims to demystify many of the aspects of greenhouse gas emissions, climate-smart agriculture practices, and carbon markets for producers and landowners.