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hereford beef cattle drinking at dam during drought.

Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water

Hot summer days are still ahead, and we need to account for water. The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, lactation status and weight.

Color-coded map of the United States showing the one-month temperature outlook for April 2021.

April 2021 Climate Update

As we look at March in the rear-view mirror, we look ahead to April and the potential for rain to return to South Dakota to reduce drought concerns across the state.

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.

Cattle grazing drought-stressed rangeland in western South Dakota.

Adaptive Management: One Strategy To Increase Your Operation’s Flexibility and Resiliency

Adaptive management is a strategy that livestock producers can use to manage year-to-year variability in forage production and build drought resiliency for their operations.

Group of mixed cattle grazing drought-stressed pasture.

SDSU Extension Provides Drought Management Resources

June 08, 2022

The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to classify parts of South Dakota in some level of drought. SDSU Extension has a variety of tools and resources to assist producers with drought decision making.

Grain bin damaged by a windstorm.

Salvaging Feed Grain From Damaged Storage Structures

The windstorm that hit South Dakota on May 12, 2022 left an extensive damage in its wake, including damage to grain bin structures. Taking prompt action can help minimize value loss in stored grain.

Barn damaged by a windstorm.

Tetanus: A Storm Aftermath Problem for Animals

Of all the challenges faced by animal caretakers in the wake of damaging storms, Tetanus is a potentially serious disease that might not appear for days or weeks later. Learn some expert tips for recognizing, treating and preventing it.