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Grass-Fed Beef: Understanding Terminology in Conventionally Raised Beef and Grass-Fed Beef
What makes grass-fed beef different from conventionally raised beef? This is perhaps the most-common and sometimes most-complex question that arises amongst those hoping to understand the similarities and differences between conventional and grass-fed beef.
Grass-Fed Beef: Market Share of Grass-Fed Beef
So, how significant is the grass-fed beef industry in America? About four percent of U.S. beef retail and food service sales is comprised by grass-fed beef with a value of roughly $4 billion.
Grass-Fed Beef: Production Costs, Quality, Voluntary Certifications and Marketing
Generally speaking, grass-fed beef producers are challenged with production expenses that are greater than those of conventionally raised beef. However, profit margins can be greater than those of conventionally raised beef if marketed wisely and creatively.
Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Deathcamas and Lupine
With prolonged drought conditions throughout many areas of South Dakota, there is an increase of invasive weeds and poisonous plants on rangelands. Identification of poisonous plants is crucial to ensure livestock production is not compromised.
Qualifying Livestock Forage Program Applications
As drought conditions worsen, livestock producers will find feed assistance from the Livestock Forage Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Learn how to qualify, apply and certify your application for assistance.
Will Mosquitos Be an Issue During This Summer?
Although it may seem like mosquitos won’t be an issue this year due to drought conditions, it is important to remember that they don’t require large bodies of water to reproduce. Mosquitos can utilize standing bodies of water, small puddles or even stagnant water in containers or old tires.
Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites
Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.
West Nile Virus Update: Sept. 17, 2021
The South Dakota Department of Health's latest update indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Codington, Hand, Hughes, Lincoln and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.
Fall Armyworm Caterpillars Causing Issues in South Dakota
This week we started to receive reports of pastures and alfalfa stands that have been heavily fed on by fall armyworm caterpillars. Typically, these pests are not an issue in South Dakota. However, populations have been very large in many states during 2021, and they have now moved into South Dakota.
Wheat Streak Mosaic of Wheat
Fact sheet about symptoms, disease cycle, risk factors and management of Wheat streak mosaic disease