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South Dakota Declares February 21 Soil Health Awareness Day

February 20, 2020

South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has declared February 21, 2020 Soil Health Awareness Day. Agriculture contributes over 132,000 jobs and 32.5 billion dollars in total output to South Dakota’s economy.

Pieces of net wrap and forage wadded up together, with a nob approximately 6 inches across at the top and 4 inches long, with a 1 inch rope like structure that is 13 inches long leading to another nob that is approximately 2 inches across and 8 inches long.

Summary of Forage Binding Survey and Current Net Wrap Research

Recently, cattle producers and veterinarians have become more concerned with the possible ingestion of net wrap or twine from hay bales and the negative impacts it could have on cattle health and performance.

A dog in the cab of a pickup truck as rain falls.

Preparing to Keep Pets Safe and Healthy During Flood Conditions

As is the case with providing for the care of livestock and other large animals during flooding, a little forward planning for the care of pets can really pay off when considering the disruptions that spring flooding can bring.

A small group of pregnant black angus cattle at pasture in early spring.

Tightening up Calving Season

One of the most important indicators of success in a cow-calf herd is reproductive efficiency of that population. A major profit-determining factor is the percent of calf crop weaned.

A red, tractor-mounted sprayer with its tank being flushed by a hose connected to a large truck.

General Cleaning Recommendations for Sprayer Equipment

Crop damage could occur if sprayer clean-out is overlooked or not properly conducted. It is critical to always follow the procedure specified on the herbicide or commercial cleaner label to completely remove herbicide residue from the sprayer system.

Black Angus crossbred cow standing to the right looking at the camera with two cattle grazing in the background with blank area to the left

Using the Estrus Synchronization Planner

The Estrus Synchronization Planner has been available since 1998, developed by Iowa Beef Center. It has evolved over the years, proving to be an effective and easy tool to help select and implement synchronization protocols.

A green tractor, pulling a red, high-clearance planter through a field of emerging corn.

Interseeding Cover Crops Effect on Corn and Soybean Production: 2019

Incorporating cover crops into our cropping systems and moving from conventional tillage to no-till can improve soil organic matter, soil structure, and water and nutrient holding capacity of our soils.

An unplanted field with weeds growing throughout.

Managing Weed Seed in 2020

Producers need to plan in advance on how to deal with bare fields that contain an overabundance of weeds. Weeds in these fields have deposited significant amount of seeds on the soil surface, which can easily germinate when adequate moisture and temperature are available.

A teardrop shaped tan tick with eight legs and brown markings on a white background.

Winter Ticks in South Dakota

Winter ticks, also called moose ticks, are unlike other tick species because they are active during the winter months.

A male producer removing net wrap from an upright bale.

Net Wrap Removal Made Easy

I was approached by a cattle producer about efficiently removing net wrap. As many of you know, net wrap has its advantages as well as disadvantages, but is largely used as a hay binding material.