Beef Nutrition

All Beef Nutrition Content

Two blue feed buckets filled with distillers grains.

Evaluating Feedstuffs on Nutrient Cost-Comparison Basis

Feed costs in dairy diets typically make up half or more of the input expenses of a ration. Thus, it is imperative to keep a handle on input costs by comparing ingredients on an apples-to-apples basis when looking for cost-effective diet solutions.

Brown and white cow grazing on standing cornstalks

Considerations for Grazing Standing Corn

Grazing standing corn is a viable option to supply nutrients to livestock. However, mitigating risk is critical to ensure healthy animals and optimize crops.

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.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Resources for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Producers often have difficulties locating fellow producers to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.

a herd of brown and black cows in a field of green grass

Registration Open for Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd

May 10, 2021

To date, the Mineral Nutrition for the Beef Cow Herd series has drawn participants from 79 operations, plus 22 industry and Extension personnel from South Dakota, North Dakota, Minnesota, Colorado and Illinois.

hereford beef cattle drinking at dam during drought.

Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water

Hot summer days are still ahead, and we need to account for water. The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, lactation status and weight.

Don’t Let Dry Conditions Take a Toll on Breeding Success

If you feel pastures are not going to provide adequate nutrients to prepare cows for breeding, here are some management strategies that can be done to potentially stimulate estrus, maintain good pregnancy rates, and save some feed resources too.

Economic Considerations for Early Weaning

There is an excellent reason why ranchers use early weaning as a drought management tool: Weaning calves early reduces the amount of feed required to maintain the cow.

Feeding at the Right Price

Managing feedstuffs efficiently becomes more important during drought conditions or low revenue years.

Using Drought-Stressed Corn as Forage

When drought has compromised tonnage of corn grain, silage producers may still retain part of its feeding value.