Beef Feedlot and Backgrounding

All Beef Feedlot and Backgrounding Content

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Cattle lined up along a feed bunk as a truck loads feed.

How Protein Source Affects Protein Metabolism in Ruminants

While it is common to balance beef cattle diets based on the crude protein system, it does not paint an accurate picture of what is occurring inside the animal, leading to gaps in nutrition and economic losses.

Black cattle heads poke out of a fence into a cement feeding trough filled with hay

SDSU Extension helping cattle producers grow bigger, better beef

May 28, 2025

Warren Rusche would contend that some of the best cattle in North America are born in South Dakota. That gives Rusche and the rest of the applied feedlot research group at SDSU a unique opportunity, and they are making the most of it.

Pre-conference speakers join 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

May 28, 2025

A pre-conference program and reception have been added to the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 16-17, 2025, in Sioux Falls, and registration is still available.

Beef

Home to more than 1 million head of cattle, South Dakota’s producers can rely on SDSU Extension for research-based information, best management practices and resources to support healthy and profitable herds.

Jul 17

Cattle Feed Considerations Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd.

Registration open for 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

April 28, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 17, 2025, in Sioux Falls.

dairy beef steers eating out of a feed bunk

Dairy Beef Crosses in the Feedyard

Both feedlot producers and dairymen have a unique set of challenges along with opportunities when it comes to raising and feeding dairy beef cross animals.

Attendees viewing a presentation at the I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course.

I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is March 25

March 10, 2025

The 2025 I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT on March 25 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

Row of black cattle eating roughage in a feedlot.

Roughage Use in Finishing Cattle Diets

Research has found that greater incorporation of roughage in cattle diets may reduce the risk of digestive upset and simplify management with minimal efficiency losses.