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Beef Marketing and Economics

All Beef Marketing and Economics Content

Blank angus cattle at a concrete feed bunk.

Preconditioning Calves: Is it the right choice?

Preconditioning involves weaning calves at least 45 days in preparation to enter the stocker phase or directly into the feedlot. Learn some important tips to help determine if it's the right choice for your operation.

Several cattle feeding at a sale barn.

What Influences Backgrounded Feeder Cattle Prices?

SDSU Extension researchers have been monitoring salebarn prices and categorizing lots of cattle to inform producers about the variables affecting their sale checks at the local auction market.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

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.

Rancher cleaning a cow's hear before applying an implant.

Getting Implant Application Correct

How would you like to make a few thousand dollars per hour? When cattle backgrounders and feeders use growth promoting implants correctly, those returns are not a pipe dream. The key is administering the implant correctly.

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

Two young woman inspecting plants growing on a vast, open range.

Women on the Range workshop on social media set for Aug. 17

July 24, 2023

SDSU Extension will host a Women on the Range - Leveraging Social Media workshop at approximately 9 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. MT on Aug. 17, 2023, at the 777 Bison Ranch near Hermosa, South Dakota.

Black angus cow with pinkeye and flies throughout its body.

What Does Pinkeye Cost?

A common disease during fly season, pinkeye in cattle can have a measurable impact on profits. A recent research project investigated the impact of eye issues on sale barn prices to find out just how much.

Rancher and marketing consultant meeting in a cattle pasture.

Economic Contribution of the South Dakota Beef Industry

From added value to the economy to jobs throughout the state, the widespread impact of the South Dakota beef industry may surprise you. Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist, examines some highlights from recent economic research.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production

This comprehensive book provides producers with insight and education into the latest beef management, handling practices and technology.