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Beef Feedlot and Backgrounding

All Beef Feedlot and Backgrounding Content

A manure pit in a dairy facility.

Understanding Manure Storage System Safety Risks

Many producers know and understand the risks associated with confined manure handling systems, but accidents and deaths still occur because unwarranted risks are taken as manure is being handled and removed from the systems.

Small group of black angus cattle at pasture.

SDSU Offers Two Delivery Dates for 2021-2022 Calf Value Discovery Program

August 30, 2021

The South Dakota State University Calf Value Discovery Program will accept steers at two delivery times this year due to dry conditions.

a tractor pulling a blue feed wagon

Last Chance to Register for 2021 SDSU Extension Feedlot Shortcourse

August 02, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension encourages cattle feeders and backgrounders from South Dakota and surrounding states to attend this year's Feedlot Shortcourse.

several men and women standing next to a fence.

Registration Now Open for 2021 SDSU Extension Feedlot Shortcourse

June 21, 2021

The 2021 Feedlot Shortcourse returns to campus Aug. 11 and 12 and will be held at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility classroom, located at 2901 Western Ave. in Brookings

Calf grazing in pasture.

Managing Light-Weight Calves

Weaning calves early is a powerful management tool to reduce demands on range and pasture.

herd of mixed cattle in a dry lot

Drylotting Cow-Calf Pairs

Whether because of reduced forage production caused by drought, or increased competition for grazing acres, feeding lactating cows in a drylot is being at least considered as an option by more ranchers.

herd of cattle in a muddy feedlot with serious flooding. FEMA News Photo

Dealing With Spring Mud and Flooding

As the snow melts, we are going to be left to deal with mud at a minimum and extensive flooding as a possible worst-case scenario. While we can’t control the pace of melting or the possibility of additional precipitation, we may be able to take a few steps to mitigate the negative impacts.

Outside of a veterinary clinic.

Veterinary Feed Directive: What You Can’t Do With a VFD

Livestock producers and veterinarians have been adjusting to the Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) rules put into effect on January 1, 2017. With the onset of the rules, producers need to square their previous treatment methods with what a VFD can and can’t do.

Rancher moving a group of feedlot cattle.

Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Treating and Controlling Infections

Mycoplasma bovis is a challenging component of respiratory disease in feedlot calves. Understanding the factors that help it become established is a good first step in formulating a plan with your veterinarian to help diminish its impact on health and productivity.

A black calf isolated in a feedlot.

Mycoplasma Bovis in Feedlot Cattle: Why It’s Different and How It Causes Illness

Mycoplasma bovis is widely distributed throughout feedlot cattle populations. The insidious nature of Mycoplasma infections, and their ability to become well-established by the time they’re observed, create challenges for treatment and prevention.