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Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?
Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.
Ranching and Prairie Streams: Why Riparian Areas Matter
For many producers, riparian pastures are essential to their operations. However, land managers need to balance grazing and utilization needs with riparian health for the long-term benefit of their operation.
New Technology for an Old Problem
One of the last projects I was involved with as coordinator for the Lower James River Watershed Project was the installation of a deep pit monoslope barn for a feedlot operation near Alexandria, SD. A deep pit confinement barn is a manure storage system that employs slatted flooring with pit manure storage underneath.
Adding Value to the Beef Carcass: Getting to know the value cuts
New value cuts have provided value back to the beef supply chain. Alternative fabrication provides consumers with more options and increases per head carcass value.
Buying Beef at the Grocery Store
The tremendous number of choices available to beef consumers offers a cut for any meal, but can also leave the most confident consumer puzzled as to the proper cut that should be purchased. Use this guide to help you select the ideal beef cut for your occasion.
Nitrates and Livestock Water Quality
Nitrate poisoning is something we think about with forages such as millet, oats, corn, sorghum, sudan, kochia and others that have been fertilized or if there is a drought, but water can also be a contributing factor.
Blue-Green Algae and Livestock
With warmer temperatures, the conditions are right for blue-green algae blooms. Different species of blue-green algae contain various toxins, which can poison livestock, resulting in rapid death.
Fresh May Not Always Be Best
To have a healthy diet all year long, consider all options (fresh, frozen, and canned) when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables.
Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota
Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.
Shelf-Stable Foods Save Money and Help Families Stay Prepared
Many people may find themselves feeling worried or concerned about having enough food in their homes. One way to help with these worries and concerns is to purchase canned or dried foods also known as shelf-stable items.