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A group of calves in a feedlot with ample bedding.

Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions

Winter weather conditions often present challenges to cattle managers in the Northern Plains. Although we can’t alter the weather, there are management steps that can be taken to help maintain cattle health and performance.

Hand holding a TDS meter in a water container.

Interpretation of Water Analysis for Livestock Suitability

Fact sheet to help decipher both the results of a “quick test” and laboratory analysis for livestock suitability.

A small group of black angus cattle in a feedlot.

Bigger Cattle. Warmer Weather. What Can Go Wrong?

The disruptions in the beef processing sector caused by COVID-19 continue to interfere with the orderly marketing of finished cattle. While we all hope that the situation is resolved quickly, the reality is that because the shipment of so many harvest-ready cattle has been delayed, there will be increased numbers of heavier cattle on feed for the foreseeable future.

a herd of cattle laying on straw

Cattle Bedding and Food Safety

When most people think of farm animals, a picture of Old MacDonald’s Farm likely comes to mind with fluffy, bright yellow piles of straw in and around a barn. Cattlemen may look at bedding as just another chore along with feeding, watering, and doing health checks that promotes the well-being of the animals to grow and produce high quality food.

Rancher and veterinarian having a discussion near a cattle feed bunker.

Salt Toxicity: Water Deprivation

Salt toxicity is a result of either a high concentration of salt in a diet or water deprivation. Learn how to recognize its symptoms and work with your veterinarian to prevent it from impacting your animals.

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.

close up of black cow and the words cattle HQ

Benefits of Early Pregnancy Detection

During this episode of Cattle HQ, experts discuss the impact that early pregnancy detection has on your herd.

two men viewing a laptop on the hood of a white pickup

Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.

close up of black cow and the words cattle HQ

Management Strategies for Cull Cows

In this episode of Cattle HQ, join Kiernan Brandt, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, and Olivia Amundson, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, as they talk about different management strategies for cull cows.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing in a vast, open range. Courtesy: U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management

Census of Agriculture Cattle Insights

The "2017 Census of Agriculture" is a valuable source for insights related to cattle operations at the state level. There were 13,928 operations across South Dakota with cattle in 2017, and the total inventory was 3,988,183 head.