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SDSU Department of Animal Science Welcomes New Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist

October 14, 2022

Jessica Drum, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Beef Reproductive Physiology Specialist, will focus on reproduction research within the beef cattle industry and share her knowledge through SDSU Extension programs and teaching.

Male and female rancher observing a black cow near a cattle shed.

The Secure Beef Supply Plan

The Secure Beef Supply Plan is a continuity of business plan for cattle operations who find themselves affected by movement restrictions during a foot and mouth disease outbreak in the United States.

Small herd of cattle waiting for feed at dusk.

Feed at Night, Calve During the Day

As cattle producers begin thinking about calving season and management practices to ease the workload, night feeding is something to consider. Producers have questioned whether or not the time of feeding affects time of calving, and the answer is “Yes.”

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

Management of Body Condition Score throughout the Year

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a visual indicator of past energy status of cattle and a method that can be used to monitor nutritional status of the cow herd.

Cattle using a fabricated windbreak in north western South Dakota.

Guidelines for Livestock Windbreaks

Livestock grazing open crop residue fields or large pastures can be left exposed during extreme bouts of cold. Ensuring that cattle and any other livestock being pastured in exposed areas have adequate access to shelter to escape the wind and cold is especially important.

Mesonet station overlooking drought-stressed pasture in Porcupine, South Dakota.

Pasture Conditions

Pasture conditions need to be carefully considered when determining when to turn livestock out to pasture, especially during drier years. See some tips and tools to help make your operation's turn out season a success.

Small group of white sheep in a sheep shearing enclosure.

Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability

South Dakota is known for a high reputation wool clip. Emphasis on economically important wool traits coupled with careful genetic selection helps promote production, profitability and sustainability in an operation.

a map showing the precipitation outlook for June 2020

Summer 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

August 12, 2020

With alternating cool and warm weather patterns throughout the last few months and the summer season ahead, temperature continues to be a challenge for climate forecasters in South Dakota.

Small group of beef cattle approaching a pressed mineral block.

SDSU Extension to Co-Host Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd Educational Series

May 04, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a webinar series on mineral nutrition for the beef cow herd on May 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. MT (7-8:30 p.m. CDT).

Diagram of an artificial insemination semen tank. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Proper Semen Handling Techniques

Proper semen handling is crucial for the overall reproductive success of an operation utilizing artificial insemination. Learn some expert tips for equipment selection, product storage and semen handling.