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Calf grazing in pasture.

Managing Light-Weight Calves

Weaning calves early is a powerful management tool to reduce demands on range and pasture.

A mother cow with her calf in a field of tall grass.

Preparing the Beef Calf for Weaning

One fact on which cattlemen, veterinarians, and animal scientists can agree is that of all the events in most calves’ lives, weaning is the most stressful of them all. If a calf can weather this stress unscathed, they have cleared a major hurdle to a productive future in the feedlot or as a replacement in the breeding herd.

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up in Soybean

Despite the prediction of low overwintering survival we have observed bean leaf beetles in soybean this week. See our latest observations and management recommendations.

Eight green beetles in the top portion of the image and seven yellow beetles with varying black stripes in the bottom portion of the image.

Corn Rootworm Adults Are Emerging in South Dakota

It’s that time of the year when corn rootworms begin emerging in South Dakota. Learn some expert tips for monitoring populations in corn fields to determine if management is necessary.

4-H ribbons and awards stacked on a table.

SDSU Extension invites youth and supporters to 2025 4-H Gala

October 01, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to welcome youth and their supporters to the 2025 4-H Gala, “Bright Lights, Bold Legacy”.

Professional headshot of Lauren Sankey.

South Dakota 4-H Welcomes New Youth Program Advisor for Roberts County

November 29, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension has boosted its statewide 4-H programming efforts with the latest addition of 4-H Youth Program Advisor, Lauren Sankey.

Husband and wife preparing a healthy meal.

SDSU Extension launches ‘605 Igniting Change’ health campaign

June 05, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is launching “605 Igniting Change,” a statewide campaign in recognition of Chronic Disease Day on July 10, 2026, and South Dakota’s proclamation of July as Chronic Disease Awareness Month.

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.

Wind damage on a pole barn's exterior.

Wind Damage to Pole Barns: Things To Know

Windstorms can cause significant damage to agricultural structures, including post-frame buildings, also known as pole barns. Learn some expert tips for protecting, inspecting and repairing these structures in the aftermath of a storm.