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a herd of sheep standing in a pasture

SDSU Extension Accepting Applications for Emerging Sheep Producers Program

May 04, 2023

Applications are now available for the SDSU Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program, a program designed for producers who want to increase their knowledge of the sheep industry and improve their skills needed to be successful shepherds.

A small herd of black angus cattle eating forage.

Clearing up Confusion on Protein and Energy Supplements

Differentiating between protein and energy supplements is key to developing an effective cattle supplementation program, but it can be very confusing. With the multitude of feed options available, understanding types of feeds and nutrient requirements will help ensure cattle perform optimally.

A newborn calf with its mother in a snowy field

Will Health Effects Linger in Beef Calves Following Harsh Spring Weather?

Beef herds calving in late winter or early spring flirt with disaster annually when it comes to bitter weather conditions. It’s a rare year when a prolonged cold snap or snowstorm doesn’t occur during this critical period. In the throes of those weather conditions, calf health and even survival can be directly affected.

A hog farmer and employee conducting training inside a modern swine facility.

Staying on Top of Employee Training

Employees are one of the most valuable assets to a successful farm. Successful farms implement on-boarding of new employees and provide continued training to ensure proficiency and consistency in job duties.

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.

Receiving Management Matters

There are multiple factors that influence cattle help during transportation and receiving. Proper management during these events can avoid negative implications to health and performance.

Herd of black angus cattle feeding in a feedlot.

Cull Cow Management and Marketing Opportunities

No matter the reason for culling, it is important to evaluate the opportunity to add value to cull cows at marketing, as they make up a significant portion of annual ranch income.

Group of black cattle near a stock dam that’s drying up under drought conditions.

Drought Planning

A drought plan will be an essential component to your overall grazing plan, as it provides guidance in making decisions during critical times when forage may be lacking.

Black angus cowherd in spring pasture.

Can Early Weaning Benefit First-Calf Heifers?

First-calf heifers pose specific challenges for cattle producers. Learn how strategic weaning decisions can impact the performance and profitability of this challenging group.

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.

A black calf drinking milk from its mother.

The Suckling Effect

As soon as the calf hits the ground, the reproductive clock of the cow starts to tick. In order to maintain the annual production cycle of the cowherd, cows and heifers must overcome postpartum anestrus within 83 days of calving.