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ranchers in pickup truck herding a small group of mixed cattle at pasture

Managing Stress to Reduce Early Embryonic Loss in Beef Cattle

With the majority of pregnancy losses occurring in the embryonic period, it is critical to mitigate losses in livestock by managing stress and avoiding transportation when the embryo is most susceptible to mortality.

an image of a field of soybeans

Soybean Production: Cost-effective pest management practices

Chemicals were one of the most expensive individual costs in soybean production, behind only to seed in the non-land cost category. The average cash-rent soybean production farms incurred a crop chemical cost of $39/ac in 2015, an 88% increase from 2010.

a woman receiving a shot

SDSU Extension Addresses Vaccine Safety with Dairy Workforce

April 07, 2021

Dr. Maristela Rovai, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist, has received federal funding from the High Plains Intermountain Center for Agricultural Health and Safety to help boost COVID-19 vaccination efforts among South Dakota’s dairy industry workforce.

Young woman participating in a video conference at a remote work station.

South Dakota Remote Works Training Resumes in September

October 26, 2021

Established in January of 2021, the program is a collaboration with Utah State University's Rural Online Initiative that provides "specialized remote work training to individuals for success in a rapidly changing economy."

tree branch cut off at the edge of the collar

Pruning Fruit Trees

February is a good time to start pruning your fruit crops. Pruning is one of the most important cultural practices in growing apples and other fruit crops. It is important to prune your fruit trees at the right time to avoid the risk of damage to the crop. The ideal time to prune most fruit trees is anytime between February and April.

A pair of hands wearing garden gloves holding tomatoes. A white text overlay reads "2018 Farm Bill." This image is courtesy of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Time to Sign up for 2018 Farm Bill

This winter it is time to study up on the Farm Bill elections and make an appointment with the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) in order to put the program in place for the farm. The deadline to make the election is March 15, 2020.

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.

Flock of mosquitoes in front of sunset.

West Nile in South Dakota: Expect Cases Into Early Fall

While it’s true that in South Dakota most West Nile Virus cases occur during August, new human infections are detected well into September in most years.

hand with shears pruning evergreen branch

Shearing Evergreens

Shearing is an excellent means of maintaining a compact and dense evergreen with a more formal appearance.

Cornstalk bales in a snow-dusted field of harvested corn.

Should We Sell Corn Stalks?

Grazing and baling corn stalks can offer producers financial and agronomic benefits, and also provide feed resources for cattle producers. Learn how to determine if it's the right decision for your operation.