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A group of red angus cattle.

Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension invites operators to June CAFO environmental training

May 22, 2026

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on June 23, 2026, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

Pregnant sheep ultrasound day 25

Detecting Pregnancy and Litter Size in Ewes Using Ultrasound

Guide providing insights on optimal timing for pregnancy scanning, what to look for at different gestational stages, and practical ultrasound techniques for the best results.

Herd of black beef cattle grazing summer pasture.

Drought-Stressed Forage: Nitrate Considerations

While drought-stressed forages can provide valuable feed, they may also carry an increased risk of nitrate accumulation. Producers should be aware of before grazing, harvesting, and feeding these forages.

Small group of cattle at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility.

Basis for Lighter-Weight Feeder Cattle

With higher overall price levels, the price differences across cattle of different weights have also increased. As a result, producers may want to revisit some pricing rules reflected in price slides and in basis levels for lighter-weight feeder cattle.

sun rising over South Dakota field

Agriculture

Both livestock and crops are essential to South Dakota's agricultural industry.

Cattle stand next to a watering hole in a pasture

SDSU Extension hosts drought meetings on June 17

June 04, 2026

SDSU Extension will hold free regional drought meetings on June 17, 2026, in response to current moderate to severe drought conditions affecting agriculture in southern South Dakota.