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An aerial view of the town of Mobridge with the Missouri River in the background.

A Strategic Community-Based Survey of Water Resource Management in South Dakota

Understanding how residents value water is critical for effective resource management, and your insights can help us better understand community values and inform future strategies for sustainable water management across the state.

Well-managed grassland area adjacent to a wetland.

Private Property vs. Public Access: Managing Non-Meandering Waters in South Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region

Fact sheet on managing non-meandering waters in South Dakota's prairie pothole region.

A group of calves in a feedlot with ample bedding.

Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions

Winter weather conditions often present challenges to cattle managers in the Northern Plains. Although we can’t alter the weather, there are management steps that can be taken to help maintain cattle health and performance.

A small group of black angus cattle in a feedlot.

Bigger Cattle. Warmer Weather. What Can Go Wrong?

The disruptions in the beef processing sector caused by COVID-19 continue to interfere with the orderly marketing of finished cattle. While we all hope that the situation is resolved quickly, the reality is that because the shipment of so many harvest-ready cattle has been delayed, there will be increased numbers of heavier cattle on feed for the foreseeable future.

Storm water rushing down a street gutter.

South Dakota Water and Community Symposium to be Held July 26

July 22, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a one-day South Dakota Water and Community Symposium on Tuesday, July 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CDT at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.

Secchi disk being used to measure lake transparency.

The Trophic State Index

The Trophic State Index is a means for lake professionals and volunteers alike to numerically measure the productivity of a natural lake or man-made reservoir. Learn how it's used in South Dakota to survey the condition of our water resources.

Rancher and veterinarian having a discussion near a cattle feed bunker.

Salt Toxicity: Water Deprivation

Salt toxicity is a result of either a high concentration of salt in a diet or water deprivation. Learn how to recognize its symptoms and work with your veterinarian to prevent it from impacting your animals.

a herd of cattle laying on straw

Cattle Bedding and Food Safety

When most people think of farm animals, a picture of Old MacDonald’s Farm likely comes to mind with fluffy, bright yellow piles of straw in and around a barn. Cattlemen may look at bedding as just another chore along with feeding, watering, and doing health checks that promotes the well-being of the animals to grow and produce high quality food.

Two female dairy workers in a milking parlor. USDA Photo by Aaron Lavelle

Challenges of Employee Turnover: Product quality and consistency

High employee turnover can lead to inconsistent animal production or potentially lower quality products, both meat and milk. How is this possible? Is it because cattle get accustomed to routines and the people who perform tasks in their home environment?

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.