Beef Industry and General Management

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

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.

Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?

As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

GPS Tracking Ear Tags in Beef Cattle Production

GPS tracking ear tags are an exciting advancement in precision livestock technology that can improve operational efficiency, provide real-time animal monitoring, and generate alerts when animals leave designated areas.

Range Roundup: Long-Term Grazing Records Can Guide Future Management

For nearly 80 years, researchers at the Cottonwood Field Station have monitored how different stocking rates have shaped plant communities. Today, these records are being compared with modern data to help us better understand how rangelands respond to long-term grazing management.

Winter Pasture Report: How Winter Moisture Shapes Spring Grazing Decisions

While many people are happy to welcome a mild winter devoid of typical South Dakota blizzards, a lack of moisture is concerning as we look ahead to spring.

Why Cropland Grazing Now?

The evidence is consistent: cropland grazing delivers measurable economic returns, proven soil health benefits, and growing adoption in South Dakota.