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Beef cattle grazing summer pasture.

Summer Pasture Report: Discussing Rain, Pasture Recovery, and Preparing for Fall

Drought conditions across northern South Dakota have seen some relief due to the precipitation received in the past few months. Despite some decent rainfall occurring, most of the state is still behind normal for the water year.

Small group of bison on rangeland.

Decoding Bison Dietary Selection: More Than Just Grass

While bison are often thought of as quintessential grazers, their diet is surprisingly variable. However, they also snack on non-grass species throughout the year.

Group of mixed calves in a feedlot.

SDSU Extension Opens Registration for 2020-2021 Calf Value Discovery Program

October 14, 2020

SDSU Extension Opens Registration for 2020-2021 Calf Value Discovery Program

small group of mixed calves

Does Cold Weather Contribute to Pneumonia in Calves?

Prolonged winter cold has some fairly obvious effects on cattle of all ages.

A field of flowering alfalfa.

Testing Forages for Nitrates

Free nitrate testing is available at various locations across the state. Nitrate testing strips are used to provide a semi-quantitative value of nitrate levels in forages. It allows producers to make decisions based on the presence or absence of nitrates and appropriate timing for cutting.

Herd of bison grazing rangeland during fall.

Bison Economics Tool

The SDSU Bison Economic Tool provides bison producers with up-to-date, monthly bison market information. The rapid and user-friendly visualization capabilities enhance communication and evaluation of how the industry is performing compared to previous months.

Several portions of ground beef being inspected at a meat processing facility.

Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat

If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.

Small group of black angus cattle at pasture.

SDSU Offers Two Delivery Dates for 2021-2022 Calf Value Discovery Program

August 30, 2021

The South Dakota State University Calf Value Discovery Program will accept steers at two delivery times this year due to dry conditions.

Farmer ranching his hand out for a cow to sniff

Cattle Behavior

Working cattle is an essential part of management. However, it can be stressful for the livestock and humans involved. The more we learn and understand about cattle behavior, the less stress these handling events will cause.

Mother cow with calf in a dry, drought-stressed rangeland.

Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Now Available for Middle School Educators

July 21, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension has launched a new educational program for middle school science teachers, homeschoolers and 4-H youth program advisors looking to add a sustainable agriculture curriculum to their lesson plans.