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2020 State 4-H Event Cancellation List
This list aids planning and decision-making for 4-H member families and volunteers in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Livestock Market Disruptions
COVID-19 has affected the market availability for finished cattle and hogs. Some beef and pork processing facilities have closed for cleaning and social distancing of their employees. While some of these facilities have scheduled a date to reopen at reduced capacity, others remain closed with no announced plans to resume operations.
2019 Wheat Field Plot Trials Summary: Fungal and Bacterial Disease Trials
This publication provides a summary of wheat trials conducted in 2019 to determine efficacy of various products in managing wheat diseases.
Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat
If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.
Farmers Markets and COVID-19
Farmers markets are a very important sector in South Dakota. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a great deal of concern on trying to keep these markets open, while providing a safe environment for consumers to shop. This article is a guide to help farmers markets set up their operation in a manner that will best protect consumers and allow for continuation of operations.
Methods to Slow Finishing Pig Growth
In abnormal situations, like with the packing plant closure we’re currently dealing with, pork producers may need to “hold” their pigs past normal marketing dates in order for other processing options to open up. We can accomplish that in two ways: altering internal barn environment and changing diets.
Minimizing Synchronization Costs
With the rising costs of certain feed supplements, uncertainty in the markets, and fear of the unknown, using an estrus synchronization protocol may be the last thing on producers’ minds. However, there is still opportunity to incorporate estrus synchronization without breaking the bank.
Evaluating Feedstuffs on Nutrient Cost-Comparison Basis
Feed costs in dairy diets typically make up half or more of the input expenses of a ration. Thus, it is imperative to keep a handle on input costs by comparing ingredients on an apples-to-apples basis when looking for cost-effective diet solutions.
At-Home Hog Slaughter
One option to address supply chain disruptions is to butcher pigs at home.
Pork Carcass Fabrication: Primal and Retail Cuts
This article is intended to provide guidance on the proper techniques for fabricating a pork carcass at home.