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small group of sheep standing in a pasture

National Sheep Improvement Program: Performance-based data you can rely on

Sheep producers continually look for opportunities to improve their flocks through the introduction of genetic traits that will contribute to both improve the performance and physical appearance of the offspring. For hundreds of years, producers used the phenotype or physical appearance traits to select replacement stock, followed by performance trials and wool testing to quantitatively define the traits a specific animal may possess.

SDSU’s off-site wean-to-finish barn.

Phytobiotics-based Product Found to Impact Bacterial Populations in Gut of Weaned Pigs

As additions to feed or water, phytobiotics have shown promise in alleviating some of the negative effects of weaning on piglet health and growth performance.

A tiger swallowtail drinking nectar from a purple blazing star flower.

Five Range Management Principles: #3 Ecosystem Biodiversity

Milkweed can help make rangelands a better environment for both cattle and neighboring plants and animals by having a shielding effect on companion plants, preventing erosion and accelerating the decomposition process, whole also providing nectar, habitat and organic material for ecosystem services.

Vast, rolling rangeland near the Black Hills of South Dakota.

South Dakota Range Camp Set for June 29–July 1

April 12, 2021

SDSU Extension is partnering with staff from the United States Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and Natural Resources Conservation Service to provide a three-day event, the South Dakota Natural Resource Professionals Range Camp.

Sheep standing at feed bunk

Applications open for SDSU Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program

August 02, 2023

Applications are now available for the second South Dakota State University Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program. The program is for sheep producers who want to develop or improve a full- or part-time sheep operation.

A small herd of cattle grazing in snow-covered, spring pasture.

Bunch the Cow Herd

Reproduction is one of the biggest drivers of economic success. Cows stressed by cold, wind, snow, and mud will put energy resources into body condition maintenance and lactation prior to recycling.

Group of women sitting around a table at the Power of Women as AgVocates conference

SDSU Extension hosting conference for women in agriculture March 1-2 in Fort Pierre

February 05, 2024

The Power of Women as AgVocates Conference is March 1-2, 2024, at the Casey Tibbs Rodeo Center Museum in Fort Pierre. Registration is $75.

Cover crops emerging from a no-till field.

Soil Organic Matter Matters: How Conservation Practices Bring Value to Farmers

Conservation management practices, such as conservation tillage, cover crops, crop rotation and livestock integration, help improve soil health over time and offer producers numerous economic benefits.

fence post burnt by wild fire

Windy and Divide Fires

General guide to all South Dakota landowners who may be affected by unplanned fire events.

A group of red angus cattle.

Minimizing Synchronization Costs

With the rising costs of certain feed supplements, uncertainty in the markets, and fear of the unknown, using an estrus synchronization protocol may be the last thing on producers’ minds. However, there is still opportunity to incorporate estrus synchronization without breaking the bank.