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Black cattle heads poke out of a fence into a cement feeding trough filled with hay

SDSU Extension helping cattle producers grow bigger, better beef

May 28, 2025

Warren Rusche would contend that some of the best cattle in North America are born in South Dakota. That gives Rusche and the rest of the applied feedlot research group at SDSU a unique opportunity, and they are making the most of it.

SDSU off-site wean-to-finish production barn.

Feed Additives Can Modulate the Swine Gut Microbiome in Weaned Pigs

Recent research at the SDSU Commercial Wean-to-Finish Research Facility found that a combination of feed additives provided benefits to the performance of weaned pigs and also modulated the swine gut microbiome.

beefSD participants in a pasture

SDSU Extension beefSD Team Awarded $600,000 Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program Grant

November 13, 2020

On September 24, the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced grant investments of more than $53 million across three unique programs for U.S. farmers, ranchers and military veterans to support American agriculture.

herd of cattle in a muddy pasture

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.

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle

SDSU Extension to host Youth Beef Summit

May 14, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host a new event for youth age 12-21 to learn about the beef industry.

Black angus cow with newborn calf in an early spring pasture.

Calving Season Considerations

Calving season can be the most enjoyable, yet most-stressful time of the year for some producers. Learn some expert tips for using record keeping to manage your herd through the madness.

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

Early Registration for 2021 Range Beef Cow Symposium Ends Nov. 1

October 25, 2021

The two-day meeting will be held Nov. 16-17 at the Monument (formerly the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City, South Dakota.

A brown and black cow standing in a feedlot with flies on its face.

Summer Fly Control in Feedlots

Just as longer days mark the beginning of summer, so does the arrival of increased number of flies in feedlots. Flies are not only are an annoyance, they can reduce performance and worsen heat stress. Successful control strategies start with sanitation.

Hereford heifers feeding from trough during drought.

Livestock Tools for Managing Through Drought

As drought conditions continue, ranchers are faced with making some difficult decisions. South Dakota State University Extension offers multiple tools and resources that can be used to help make the best management decisions for your operation.

snow plow clearing a highway

Are you ready for winter? ¿Està listo para el invierno?

The first winter experience can be a challenge if you don’t know what is ahead, except for that there will be snow and cold. Some simple tips will help you survive the snow, ice and low temperatures.