Beef Marketing and Economics

All Beef Marketing and Economics Content

Small group of cattle at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility.

Basis for Lighter-Weight Feeder Cattle

With higher overall price levels, the price differences across cattle of different weights have also increased. As a result, producers may want to revisit some pricing rules reflected in price slides and in basis levels for lighter-weight feeder cattle.

herd of beef cattle grazing in a pasture

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.

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Beef Cattle Budgets

What does it cost to maintain a cow for the year? This is a common question asked by producers across the nation.

A group of red angus cattle.

Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator

Calculator for inventorying livestock and forage on hand to determine additional forage purchase needs, or livestock sales.

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

Move the Cows or Move the Feed

This calculator is designed to aid producers making the decision to buy feedstuffs and haul the feed to the operation, or to haul the cattle to the feedstuffs.

Beef cattle with calves on a dry rangeland.

Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought

Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.

White beef cow with calf in a pasture.

Strategic Culling During Drought Can Strengthen Ranch Profitability

In today’s cattle market, thoughtful culling decisions can provide a dual benefit, generating immediate income from strong cull cow prices while reducing the number of animals to feed during periods of high feed costs and drought stress.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Instructor and student in cab of tractor looking at a monitor.
Jun 18

Cyber Security Awareness Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, Jameson Brennan will provide an overview of cybersecurity threats within the agriculture industry, how to detect common cyber threats, and best practices for preventing a cyber-attack.