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A man drilling a core sampler into the side of a hay bale.

Forage Sampling Procedures

Proper sampling of forage is essential if we want to obtain an accurate indication of the nutrient composition, dry matter content, or value of any feedstuff.

mostly black cattle stand around a dugout with water. the grass is green and the sky is blue

SDSU Extension offering livestock water testing across state

June 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging producers to take advantage of its free, on-site livestock water testing services across the state.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Is it Time to Spray Red Sunflower Seed Weevils?

Red sunflower seed weevil adult activity is well underway on sunflowers in South Dakota. Even though the red sunflower seed weevil numbers are down, we are still observing populations in South Dakota that are above threshold.

A closeup shot of a cow's nose and mouth.

Using Feed Testing to Control Variation

By now all the summer and fall’s work of getting forage harvested has wrapped up. Now comes the task of converting all of that work into animal protein (at a profit)!

several cattle standing and sitting by a windbreak

Cold Weather Management Options

Winter weather conditions impact cattle as well as the cattle producers. Cold temperatures combined with wind creates more stress and increased management to achieve similar animal performance.

a tractor driving in a field next to a pond

South Dakota Grassland Management School Workshops Set For July 27, 28

July 15, 2021

The 2021 Grassland Management School workshops will be held at the Eck Restoration Project north of Henry, South Dakota on the shores of Warner Lake.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa leaf.

Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

A common pest of alfalfa, blister beetles pose serious health risks to livestock if their bodies are consumed along with alfalfa bales. Learn some important considerations for identifying and managing blister beetles before harvesting alfalfa this growing season.

Small group of beef cattle approaching a pressed mineral block.

SDSU Extension to Co-Host Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd Educational Series

May 04, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a webinar series on mineral nutrition for the beef cow herd on May 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. MT (7-8:30 p.m. CDT).

Two Saxon Merino rams grazing pasture.

Boosting Ram Nutrition for Optimal Breeding Success

Around breeding time, nutritional considerations tend to lean towards the ewes, but what about rams?

A young man analyzing the results of a pregnancy check on an electronic device.

Putting the Preg Check Results to Work

Pregnancy check day is one of the most important days on the ranch as it is the day when we find out what cows are pregnant and how many calves we can expect come calving season. So now that the veterinarian has left the yard and the open cows are sorted off, what’s next?