Skip to main content

Search

Color-coded map showing precent of normal forage production for South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Herd Inventory Centers on Feed Available

With drought conditions continuing across the state, livestock producers will be making hard decisions on livestock inventory numbers as pasture and feed availability become an even more significant factor.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Supplementation Considerations for Ewes Grazing Dormant Winter Pastures and Rangelands

A recent collaboration between South Dakota State University and the University of Wyoming addresses the many questions surrounding grazing supplementation for sheep as forages enter dormancy.

A soybean field with notisable yellowing and browning on a section of plants.

Replanting Considerations

Every season weather events such as hail or flooding can damage or destroy previously planted crops in all or in portions of fields. In May or even early June, many producers will replant these areas. As the end of June approaches, the window for replanting narrows and producers may want to do a more careful evaluation of whether or not to replant.

Map of South Dakota with dot-plots indicating 24-hour soil temperatures at a 4-inch depth for various locations throughout South Dakota. Data from Mesonet.sdstate.edu

Delayed Planting Due to Soil Temperatures?

Although it can be tempting to get a head start with row crops, it's important to be mindful of soil temperatures and the risks associated with planting early.

SDSU off-site wean-to-finish production barn.

Feed Additives Can Modulate the Swine Gut Microbiome in Weaned Pigs

Recent research at the SDSU Commercial Wean-to-Finish Research Facility found that a combination of feed additives provided benefits to the performance of weaned pigs and also modulated the swine gut microbiome.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

Trace Mineral Inclusion Level Did Not Impact Grow-Finish Pig Performance

Recent research at SDSU found that supplementing dietary trace minerals at levels closer to NRC requirements in typical corn-soybean meal diets for grow-finish pigs did not have an impact on overall pig performance and carcass characteristics.

Group of farmers and ranchers attending a drought meeting.

SDSU Extension to Host Drought Management Meetings

April 29, 2022

SDSU Extension will host drought management meetings across South Dakota May 10-12.

Raw New York strip steaks on a wood cutting board.

Backgrounding Beef Calves on Cover Crops May Improve Steak Tenderness

Can short-term backgrounding diets of beef calves have long term impacts of meat quality? Recent research from the meat science team at South Dakota State University says, “Yes.”

Small group of beef cattle approaching a pressed mineral block.

SDSU Extension to Co-Host Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd Educational Series

May 04, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a webinar series on mineral nutrition for the beef cow herd on May 17, 19, 24, 26, and 31 from 6-7:30 p.m. MT (7-8:30 p.m. CDT).

SDSU’s off-site wean-to-finish barn.

Phytobiotics-based Product Found to Impact Bacterial Populations in Gut of Weaned Pigs

As additions to feed or water, phytobiotics have shown promise in alleviating some of the negative effects of weaning on piglet health and growth performance.