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Bison herd grazing on a vast, rolling grassland.

Climate Toolbox How-To: Preparing Your Ranch for Future Climate Scenarios

This article explores practical insights and tools offered in the Climate Toolbox that equip bison ranchers to make informed decisions in ranch planning, grassland management, and parasite control.

Left: Small group of cattle in a bud box pen. Right: Cattle gathered in a round tub structure.

Bud Box vs. Round Tub Systems

Cattle working systems have evolved, giving producers more options than ever before. Two of the most popular designs today are the bud box and the round tub.

ranchers in pickup truck herding a small group of mixed cattle at pasture

Managing Stress to Reduce Early Embryonic Loss in Beef Cattle

With the majority of pregnancy losses occurring in the embryonic period, it is critical to mitigate losses in livestock by managing stress and avoiding transportation when the embryo is most susceptible to mortality.

Young nursery piglets.

Nursery Pig Management

Piglet transitions from the farrowing room to the nursery or wean-to-finish barn are important foundational steps towards producing full-market value finisher pigs.

Herd of cattle grazing a flood-impacted pasture.

Management of Flood-Damaged Pastures

Receding flood water is just the start of recovering pasture ground following a flood event. Learn some expert tips for thoroughly evaluating damaged pastures before regrazing.

A steer standing in a feedlot. Its middle back has a visible bald spot due to lice.

Winter Lice Control

Seeing cattle rubbing hair off due to lice infestations can be extremely frustrating. Not only are the cattle damaging fences and equipment, there also can be performance losses and health issues not to mention that the cattle are simply not as visibly appealing, which can be very important for seedstock producers or feeders selling backgrounded feeders.

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

A group of people stands in a pasture

beefSD helps cattle producers ‘raise the steaks’

January 17, 2025

Since 2010, 175 participants from more than 100 operations in South Dakota and Minnesota have completed beefSD. The well-established intensive educational program is designed to take beginning beef producers to the next level in beef enterprise management.

A car being towed a flooded, washed out gravel road by a national guard truck. Photo by Senior Master Sgt. David H. Lipp, U.S. Department of Defense

Floodwater: Road Crossing Hazards

During flooding, and when driving in the countryside we oftentimes encounter a creek or stream running on top of the road. Be aware that a course of water running over the road can turn into a very dangerous, even life-threatening situation if you attempt to cross it with your vehicle.

small group of cattle and a young calf being moved away from a flooded area. FEMA News Photo

Managing Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

Flooding, blizzard conditions and excess snow can wreak havoc on livestock producers. While there is little one can do to stop the melting snow and rising waters, we can try to manage around the water by preparing alternative livestock and feeding areas.