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Three stored grain pests. From left: Maize weevil, Angoumois grain moth, Cadelle beetle.

Common Stored Grain Insect Pests

There are several species of insects that feed on stored grain, resulting in reduced grain quality. Learn how to identify some of the most-common grain pests that can be found in South Dakota.

Young, black calf being bottle fed in a pen.

Managing Orphaned Calves

With careful management and proper nutrition, calves orphaned by challenging winter weather can perform similar to calves still on the cow.

Producers inspecting soil in a harvested wheat field.

Managing Cover Crops in Moisture Deficits

Planting cover crops after small grain harvest can be risky in central South Dakota. The decision to incorporate them into an annual cropping system should consider historical precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and soil moisture at time of planting.

The Importance of Vitamin A in the Cow Herd

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson and Madison Kovarna explore the importance of Vitamin A to the cowherd, including the newborn calf from Dr. Hannah Speer.

Several young swine in a feeding facility.

SDSU Extension hosts swine production and transportation certification in January

January 03, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension will help swine producers, transporters and handlers update their Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) Plus and Transportation Quality Assurance (TQA) on Jan. 10, 2024, in Sioux Falls.

Rancher cleaning a cow's hear before applying an implant.

Getting Implant Application Correct

How would you like to make a few thousand dollars per hour? When cattle backgrounders and feeders use growth promoting implants correctly, those returns are not a pipe dream. The key is administering the implant correctly.

Left: Black cow with the appropriate amount of fat cover, or finish for market. Right: Red steer that needs more time on feed.

Raising Freezer Beef: When Is the Animal Finished?

Many producers have had their own beef processed for years, and some may have been selling animals to their neighbors on occasion. It's another matter entirely when the objective is satisfying customer expectations, especially if finishing cattle hasn't been a normal part of your operation.

cattle out on a snowy white day

Cold Weather Challenges

In the event of extreme cold weather snaps, even cattlemen who have experience calving in these conditions may benefit from a review of recommendations as the calving season continues.

A dish of mixed-berry jam.

Mixed Fruit Jelly

Try this research-tested recipe for mixed fruit jelly courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Newborn lamb feeding under a heat lamp.

Electrical Safety in the Barn

From heat lamps to extension cords, learn some important fire safety considerations when electricity is used to warm up your barn during lambing and kidding season.