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Black angus cow with pinkeye and flies throughout its body.

What Does Pinkeye Cost?

A common disease during fly season, pinkeye in cattle can have a measurable impact on profits. A recent research project investigated the impact of eye issues on sale barn prices to find out just how much.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Pay Attention to Calving Distribution

Multiple factors go into defining a calving season, but through simple record keeping, management decisions can be made to increase herd performance and profitability.

SDSU Extension welcomes new bison specialist

April 19, 2023

SDSU Extension is excited to announce a new bison specialist. Jeff Martin has been named the SDSU Extension Bison Specialist and the Assistant Professor of Bison Biology and Management in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Martin’s role is 70 percent research and 30 percent Extension, and he will continue to be based at West River Research and Extension center in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

Black cow standing in winter pasture.

Winter Pasture Report: How Winter Moisture Shapes Spring Grazing Decisions

While many people are happy to welcome a mild winter devoid of typical South Dakota blizzards, a lack of moisture is concerning as we look ahead to spring.

group of young piglets

Swine

Providing pork producers with the research-based information and resources they need to keep South Dakota swine herds healthy and profitable is a focus of our team. 

Raw New York strip steaks on a wood cutting board.

Backgrounding Beef Calves on Cover Crops May Improve Steak Tenderness

Can short-term backgrounding diets of beef calves have long term impacts of meat quality? Recent research from the meat science team at South Dakota State University says, “Yes.”

harvester chopping corn silage, depositing silage into green wagon.

Video Series Offers Tips on Harvesting Failed Crops as Forage

August 24, 2021

To help producers navigate through these issues, SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition have recently released a new video series, “Salvaging Drought Stressed Crops.”

a person in a red and blue plaid shirt holding a laptop outdoors

Telemedicine Keeps Mixed-Animal Veterinarians Connected

March 31, 2021

Smart phones have helped South Dakota veterinarians assist clients through blizzards and busy calving seasons, but clinics may need to revisit service offerings, client expectations.

Oat plants exhibiting crown rust symptoms.

Does Crown Rust in Oats Cause Problems for Livestock?

When wet, cool conditions predominate in the spring, crop producers may have to deal with crown rust in oats. When this crop disease is abundant, questions from livestock producers arise. Could crown rust in oats harm livestock if it’s present on pasture or in hay?