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Creep Feeding Options: Will it Pay?
Creep-feeding should be evaluated on yearly basis to determine if it will provide production and economic benefits to the operation.
Know Your West Nile Virus Vectors
In some areas of South Dakota, recent precipitation has led to an increase in mosquito activity. To reduce the chances of contracting West Nile Virus, it is important to understand the behavior of the mosquitos capable of vectoring it.
Monitor Livestock, Pets and Yourself for Eye Gnat Activity
While being outside this week, I noticed a lot of small gnats flying around my legs and really bothering my dogs. I caught a few and identified them as eye gnats. Although this pest is considered a nuisance in most cases, it is capable of transmitting diseases and pathogens.
COVID-19 and Home Water Use
There have been questions regarding spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 through drinking water.
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.
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.
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.
Lessons From Alternative Calving Workshops
Recently, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and SDSU Extension held workshops across the State focused on sharing information from experienced livestock producers who have switched to a calving date more in sync with nature.
COVID-19 Safety Guidelines for Essential Swine Industry Employees
America’s pig farmers doing the right things to protect people, pigs, and the planet continue, even during this challenging time.
Capitalizing on Cow Costs
Feeding cows is one area of consideration when analyzing the cost of keeping a cow through her production year. Through small management choices, we can decrease the cost of the cow while maximizing on opportunities.