Skip to main content

Search

Herd of cattle swath grazing hay in a winter pasture.

Swath/Bale Grazing

Swath grazing and bale grazing are harvest systems that mesh haying and grazing techniques. Generally, the objective is to reduce labor and equipment expenses by allowing livestock to consume the hay crop in the field.

Landowner and producer in a machine shed reviewing a contract.

Hay Harvest Contracting

For those landowners who typically lease or harvest grasslands for hay, contracting for services is a learned business that can have local variations in how the grass and associated services are valued.

A photo of two beef cattle with their heads in a typical feeder that contains golden-brown hay.

Feed Management for Efficient U.S. Livestock Systems: Introducing the National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee

The National Animal Nutrition Program’s Feed Management Committee brings together experts in animal science, nutrition, and natural resource management to increase awareness and use of livestock feeding management and to address conservation needs.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.

Producer moving a group of black cattle into a section of fenced-in pasture.

Grazing Contracting

For those who own grasslands not typically grazed, or for those looking for a better contract basis, there are several grazing contract options that can be explored.

Three people smile for the camera with bison and rolling hills in the background

Bringing happy, healthy bison back to the Great Plains

January 17, 2025

There are approximately 400,000 bison across North America, down from 30 to 60 million prior to the 1860s. South Dakota has the largest bison population in the U.S. with nearly 40,000, and Martin hopes to see it keep rising.

Two beef heifers standing in a pasture. One is red, the other black and white.

Replacement Heifer Calculator

Excel decision aid to assist producers decide whether to raise or purchase replacement heifers.

A group of ranchers meeting out in the range.

Strategic and Scenario Planning in Ranching: Managing Risk in Dynamic Times

A changing marketplace, price volatility, labor availability, record high feeder calf prices, the effects of the ethanol industry: How will your ranch operation adapt?

various white charts and bar graphs on a blue background

Monthly Cattle Prices and Basis Levels

Effective marketing and risk management techniques often rely on sound benchmarks. Those marketing cattle need reasonable metrics to evaluate received and expected prices.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution