Skip to main content

Search

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

Blueberries inside a plastic storage container.

Have Excess Produce? Freeze It!

Freezing is one of the easiest forms of preserving food. It reduces food waste, saves money and allows you to have quick quality produce on hand at all times. The

A male vendor serving a strawberry sample to an older woman at a farmers market stand.

Food Safety from Production to the Farmers Market

Food safety is an important issue at farmers markets. Customers expect the food and products they purchase to be grown and handled so that they will be safe to consume. Vendors have a responsibility to grow and handle food using good food safety practices.

Cattle outfitted with virtual fence collars on an open rangeland.

Range Roundup: Virtual Fencing Project Takes Place at the Cottonwood Field Station

Virtual fencing (borders without physical barriers) has started making waves in the cattle industry, and it can be used to implement precision grazing management. Our team is researching its use and utility at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station starting this summer.

A group of people stands in a pasture

beefSD helps cattle producers ‘raise the steaks’

January 17, 2025

Since 2010, 175 participants from more than 100 operations in South Dakota and Minnesota have completed beefSD. The well-established intensive educational program is designed to take beginning beef producers to the next level in beef enterprise management.

A steer standing in a feedlot. Its middle back has a visible bald spot due to lice.

Winter Lice Control

Seeing cattle rubbing hair off due to lice infestations can be extremely frustrating. Not only are the cattle damaging fences and equipment, there also can be performance losses and health issues not to mention that the cattle are simply not as visibly appealing, which can be very important for seedstock producers or feeders selling backgrounded feeders.

Black and red feedlot cattle eat corn silage from a feed bunk in South Dakota.

Silage

In this episode Olivia Amundson and Kiernan Brandt, former SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field specialists, discuss packing and managing silage with Warren Rusche, SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate. 

small group of cattle and a young calf being moved away from a flooded area. FEMA News Photo

Managing Cow/Calf Pairs With Excess Spring Moisture

Flooding, blizzard conditions and excess snow can wreak havoc on livestock producers. While there is little one can do to stop the melting snow and rising waters, we can try to manage around the water by preparing alternative livestock and feeding areas.

Small group of employees inspecting a milking parlor.

Factors Affecting Teat Skin Condition in Winter

Even though cows are housed in many parts of the country, cold weather may play an important factor in udder health and milk quality.

Participants Kari Feldhaus and Kelsy Hokana work together on an educational activity during Annie’s Project in Britton.
Jun 18

Livestock Risk Protection Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month we will cover the basics of Livestock Risk Protection (LRP).