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Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station

Impacts in Natural Resource and Range Management

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

A closeup of a sheep's face. The sheep looks to be in pain.

Sore Mouth: A “Pox” Virus for Sheep

Just like in children or adults who contract the dreaded chicken pox, sheep and goats can catch their own similar “pox” virus called Sore Mouth, technically known as Contagious Ecthyma. This health problem is most recognizable by red blisters or thick brown scabs on the skin around the lips or muzzle area.

Grassed waterway leading to a large watershed in the distance.

Impacts in Water & Cropping Systems

SDSU Extension’s agronomy team works to boost farmers’ yields and profits by providing access to research-based information, resources and local agronomic information.

Two producers observing an in-field cattle watering unit.

Water Monitoring Systems for Livestock

Depending on animal locations, checking water tanks can require hours of labor and significant fuel costs for remote pastures. Water monitoring systems offer producers a convenient way to check the status of the water sources remotely.

Mixed cattle grazing corn stalks.

Corn Stalk Rental Rates

Corn stalk acres have long been a source of feed for livestock producers. But how much should producers charge to graze them, and what factors should they consider when developing a rental agreement?

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Dangers and Safety Precautions With Liquid Nitrogen

If you artificially inseminate, you have been exposed to liquid nitrogen. Even though it is commonly used in livestock production, it is critical to follow safety procedures, because it is very dangerous.

Several cows and cow-calf pairs at pasture.

Equation of Reproductive Efficiency

The key factors to reproductive success in beef cattle are proper management, nutrition, health, and selection, while reproductive technologies can enhance management if the previous factors are in sync.

Mixed calves at an in-field bunk feeder.

Backgrounding at Different Rates of Gain

The purpose of backgrounding is to increase calf body weight after weaning and before finishing. A recent study investigated the effects of different backgrounding systems on growing calf performance.

high-quality headshot of James Doyle

SDSU Extension welcomes new Diversified Ag Field Specialist to Winner office

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Jimmy Doyle as a new Diversified Agriculture Field Specialist.

fresh vegetables including onions, potatoes, lettuce and squash are shown piled on a counter

SDSU Extension to host short educational course on high tunnels

September 29, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a two-day High Tunnel Short Course on Oct. 16-17 at the Outdoor Campus – West in Rapid City.