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Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Why It’s Different and How It Causes Illness

Mycoplasma bovis is widely distributed throughout feedlot cattle populations. The insidious nature of Mycoplasma infections, and their ability to become well-established by the time they’re observed, create challenges for treatment and prevention.

Low larkspur and twogrooved poisonvetch plants growing in rangeland.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Larkspur and Poisonvetch

Larkspurs are the second leading cause for all livestock deaths from toxic plant poisoning. Poisonvetches are considered accumulator plants that uptake excessive levels of selenium and cause toxicity problems in cattle.

Is Agritourism for You?

Do you like people and wish to provide educational or entertainment opportunities that showcases your farm or ranch? If so, agritourism is an opportunity you may wish to explore!

Cattle grazing a field of cover crops in Eastern South Dakota.

Extend the Grazing Season With Cover Crops

When hay prices are high, extending the grazing season is key. Grazing cover crops in the fall and spring can extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs.

The Britton graduating class of Annie’s Project and event organizers stand for a group photo in front of a white screen. There are 13 women, plus one woman on the far right holding a baby

SDSU Extension graduates 10 women from Britton Annie’s Project

December 21, 2023

Ten women graduated from the most recent Annie’s Project program, hosted by South Dakota State University Extension, on Nov. 20 in Britton.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

A snowy farmyard with sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Preparing for Calving Season

Whether the calving season will start soon or is a few months away, it’s never a bad time to start preparing for the arrival of fresh calves on the ground. Here are some things to consider prior to the beginning of calving.

A small group of pregnant black angus cattle at pasture in early spring.

Tightening up Calving Season

One of the most important indicators of success in a cow-calf herd is reproductive efficiency of that population. A major profit-determining factor is the percent of calf crop weaned.

a map of South Dakota showing the drought conditions

July Drought Hours to Address Livestock Nutrition, Crop Quality Concerns

July 15, 2021

More South Dakota acres are now in an extreme drought condition as lack of moisture and high temperatures continue to impact much of the state.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

2017 Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.