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Three grassland insects. From left: white grub, dung beetles and Dakota Skipper Butterfly.

Rangeland Insects Are Critical Indicators of System Health

Insects, in general, may offer more indication of rangeland health than any other type of organism. They serve as key building blocks that other organisms depend on.

Two producers moving cattle out of a shelter.

Biosecurity for Beef Cow-Calf Operations: Managing the Entry of New Animals

Infectious disease can impact cow-calf operations in dramatic ways. These steps should be considered the minimum standards for introducing new animals into cow-calf operations to avoid the spread of infectious disease.

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.

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.

Flock of white sheep in drought-stressed pasture.

SDSU Extension, Nebraska Extension and K-State Research and Extension To Host Diversifying With Small Ruminants Workshops

May 16, 2022

SDSU Extension, in collaboration with Nebraska Extension and K-State Research and Extension, will host a series of Diversifying with Small Ruminants workshops June 7-9.

A close shot of a cow's eye. The cow seems to be in pain.

Veterinarians Remind South Dakota Cattle Producers To Include Anthrax Vaccination This Spring

May 23, 2022

SDSU Extension and South Dakota Animal Industry Board veterinarians are encouraging South Dakota cattle producers to include the anthrax vaccine in their vaccination program when they turn out cattle to summer pastures this spring.