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A small black bug with tan margins on the wings. This insect is resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.

Fence line along a broad, open pasture.

Lameness in Cattle: Causes Associated With Injury

Most cattle in pastures and feedlots are exposed to multiple potential causes of injury. Learn some of the injury-related causes of lameness in cattle, starting with the foot and working our way up.

Cow exhibiting lameness symptoms with focus on its right, rear foot.

Lameness in Cattle: Causes Associated With Infections

Infections are among the most-common reasons for lameness in feedlot and adult cattle, and in some cases they can be treated or prevented with more success than other causes of lameness.

Cow receiving veterinary treatment for hoof injury.

Getting to the Bottom of Cattle Lameness Cases: Diagnosis

Making the right decisions about how to deal with a lame animal depends on how accurately the cause of the lameness can be diagnosed and localized.

Injured calf resting in a feedlot with a cast around its leg.

Treating Lameness in Cattle

Successfully treating most cases of cattle lameness usually involves more than a simple injection of antibiotics. Knowing the best intervention for a particular animal starts with a good diagnosis of the problem.

Man holding his wrist, which is afflicted with arthritis.

Arthritis and Agriculture

Did you know arthritis is a leading cause of work disability in U.S. adults? Learn some tips for managing pain and reducing arthritis risk while working in agricultural production.

Revegetation of Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

This publication provides suggested native species suitable for the revegetation of salt-impacted soils. The suggested species are listed as native to South Dakota according to the USDA NRCS Plants Database.

Cover crops emerging from a no-till field.

Soil Organic Matter Matters: How Conservation Practices Bring Value to Farmers

Conservation management practices, such as conservation tillage, cover crops, diverse crop rotation and livestock integration, help improve soil health over time and offer producers numerous economic benefits.

Variety of grasses growing in rangeland with some showing signs of drought stress.

Options for Spring Turnout

Every year at green-up, grass managers must make decisions about when and where to begin grazing. Several options are available depending on pasture resources, stored feed resources and the ability to be flexible.

Variety of frozen meats in a freezer labeled with a red, “Not for Sale” stamp.

Meat (Not) For Sale

Before buying meat from local livestock producers, take the time to understand the rules and regulations of local meat processing.