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Producers working cattle in a holding pen.

What Cattle Working Facilities Are the Best?

Research is continually being conducted to better understand cattle behaviors and develop working facilities that work with them. Learn some basic aspects of working facilities so you can design a system that best fits your operation.

Ultrasound machine used for sheep

Register now for SDSU Extension Sheep Ultrasound Certification School

July 22, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a sheep ultrasound certification school from 8 a.m. Aug. 24 to noon Aug. 26, 2024, at the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit, located 1.5 miles north of the SDSU campus.

A color-coded precipitation probability map of the United States. The majority of South Dakota is predicted to have wetter than average precipitation, with the highest likelihood being in the southwest corner of the state. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

May 2020 Climate Outlook

On April 16, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their climate outlook for May and the coming three-month period of May through July. There is a lot of uncertainty in the temperature outlook for the next one-to-three months in the Northern Plains Region.

Red fescue, a red colored grass, in a meadow in the Black Hills National Forest.

Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), A New Grass in the Black Hills: Friend or Foe?

Red fescue (Festuca rubra), a cool-season, dominate rhizomatous grass, has started showing up on disturbed ground near meadows and forests. While it is not a state noxious weed yet, its spread has raised questions from producers.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

SDSU Extension to Host Swine Day Event

October 24, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a Swine Day event to celebrate the sixth anniversary of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility. The event will be held at McCrory Gardens on Tuesday, Nov. 1, starting at 9:00 a.m. CDT.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing a vast, open rangeland.

History and Current Value of the Range Beef Cow Symposium

In December 1969, four extension specialists from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota developed a symposium to provide cutting edge information to beef cattle producers. Years later, this valuable tradition continues at the biennial Range Beef Cow Symposium.

small group of cattle on a small piece of dry land surrounded by flood waters. FEMA News Photo

Preserving Your Ability To Care for Your Animals When Flooding Occurs

When winter snowfall begins to melt, severe spring flooding can be a real possibility. Of the people witnessing the rising water, livestock producers and other animal caretakers have perhaps the most daunting task.

People eat ice cream under a large tent

SDSU Extension experts to attend 2025 Dakotafest

August 06, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2025 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Comparing Soybean Meal to Distillers Grains for Finishing Cattle

Do different protein sources lead to significant performance differences in finishing cattle? The results of a recent experiment at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm offer cattle feeders some encouraging findings.

Two people having a conversation, one being the herd manager and the other the employee in a dairy free stall barn.)

Coaching vs. Evaluations To Improve Ag Employee Performance

One of the most difficult things farm managers have to master is coaching employees. Using appropriate coaching methods with employees will help you as a manager to achieve the desired employee performance you are looking for in your operation.