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Getting Replacement Heifers Ready to Breed
Producers should take some time to evaluate replacement heifers’ health, nutrition and reproductive status to ensure high-quality females entering the cow herd.
Grazing Calculator
The SDSU Extension Grazing Calculator eliminates the guesswork and mess associated with doing calculations by hand. It requires a few inputs on your end, and you will be able to save a downloadable Excel file for your record keeping.
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.
Livestock Market Disruptions
COVID-19 has affected the market availability for finished cattle and hogs. Some beef and pork processing facilities have closed for cleaning and social distancing of their employees. While some of these facilities have scheduled a date to reopen at reduced capacity, others remain closed with no announced plans to resume operations.
Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Larkspur and Poisonvetch
Larkspurs are the second leading cause for all livestock deaths from toxic plant poisoning. Poisonvetches are considered accumulator plants that uptake excessive levels of selenium and cause toxicity problems in cattle.
Implanting Nursing Calves
Implanting nursing calves is a cost-effective way to increase weaning weight and improve your financial bottom-line. Learn some expert tips for choosing the right implant for your operation.
Sell the Feeder Calf, or Create a Yearling?
Fall brings many weaning and selling time decisions for cattle operations. Learn some expert tips for evaluating your current situation and making informed management decisions given the price of calves, feed, and the futures market.
Grazing and Recreation on South Dakota School and Public Lands
Ryan Brunner, Commissioner of State School and Public Lands, shares some excellent information for those interested in understanding more about grazing and hunting on South Dakota school and public lands.
Mud Reduces Beef Cow Performance
Every late winter and early spring beef producers usually face the same problem. Whether it is pooled water resulting from melting snow or excessive rainfall, they both lead to mud accumulation.
Winter Mineral Nutrition for Beef Cows
Winter supplementation often focuses heavily on meeting protein and energy requirements of cows and tends to leave mineral nutrition as almost an afterthought. In reality, meeting all nutrient requirements, including energy, protein, minerals, vitamins, and water are equally important.