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New Technology for an Old Problem
One of the last projects I was involved with as coordinator for the Lower James River Watershed Project was the installation of a deep pit monoslope barn for a feedlot operation near Alexandria, SD. A deep pit confinement barn is a manure storage system that employs slatted flooring with pit manure storage underneath.
Corn Grain Moisture Discount: Why and How Much?
Corn marketed at the standard moisture content of 15.5% and 56 pounds per bushel typically contains 47.3 pounds of dry matter and 8.7 pounds of water. At harvest, a producer has to decide whether to sell (or even store) his corn at ‘as is’ moisture content or mechanically dry it before taking it to the buyer.
Considerations for Increasing Wool Value
The wool market continually rewards those who emphasize high-quality production. Efforts to increase wool clip value can be made through regular management practices and proper wool clip preparation at shearing.
Flood Preparedness
Floods can develop slowly or strike suddenly without warning. Learn some essential steps to help protect you and your loved ones before, during, and after a flood.
And They’re Off! Winning the Calf Starting Race
Feeding cattle successfully is a bit like a horse race; a bad start can doom the chances of winning. Getting calves off to a great start is crucially important if we want to maintain health and performance throughout the feeding period.
Will Your Summer Pastures Meet Your Flock’s Needs?
Sheep can readily thrive on pasture in the summer. However, monitoring forage quality and meeting mineral requirements on range is important to optimize production.
Broadleaf Considerations for West River South Dakota Cropping Systems
Selecting the right crop rotation is crucial in West River South Dakota, where water use efficiency is important. Learn some key factors to consider when selecting broadleaf crops for rotations and see what some farmers in the region are already planting.
How Much Room Does a Pig Need?
Let’s take a moment to consider one of the animal observations from the Pork Quality Assurance Plus (PQA Plus) Site Assessment and its impacts. Recommendations exist in facility planning books about the square footage for an animal at each phase of production.
Guide for Purchasing Freezer Beef, Pork and Lamb
Purchasing meat directly from farmers and ranchers has become a prominent consumer trend. This article focuses on purchasing a beef animal, pig or lamb to stock your freezer.
Finding Private Well Completion Reports
For those South Dakota residents that may have an interest in finding information on their private well if they have none, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture & Natural Resources has a database on their website where original Well Completion Reports can be found.