Dairy Cattle

All Dairy Cattle Content

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Group of SDSU Dairy Club members serving “all you can drink milk” at an event.

National Dairy Month

Each June, National Diary Month celebrates the hard work of dairy farmers and the agricultural community, and it's an important time to highlight the many nutritional benefits associated with consuming dairy products

small group of dairy cattle grazing in a pasture near a red monoslope barn

Dairy

As a member of the I-29 Moo University Collaboration, SDSU Extension connects South Dakota’s producers with peers and industry experts across a five-state region.

Kiernan Brandt, SDSU Extension Cow/ Calf Specialist, instructs 4-H member, Molly Harty, on finding the reproductive tract during palpitation.

Artificial Insemination School

SDSU Extension offers Beef Artificial Insemination (AI) Schools that teach participants overall herd management for reproductive success and profitability during the 2.5-day schools.

Interior of a large dairy barn.

Dairy Production in South Dakota: Growth and Consolidation

Research has found continued growth in dairy production in South Dakota over the past two decades, with most growth concentrated in large operations in Eastern South Dakota, indicating a trend of consolidation with large farms in concentrated regions.

A field of flowering alfalfa.

Nitrate QuikTest for Forages

The Nitrate QuikTest for Forages is available at various SDSU Extension locations and veterinary clinics across the state and is designed to be used with standing forages prior to harvesting for hay or grazing.

A small herd of cattle gathered around a pond on an open range.

Livestock Water Testing

SDSU Extension offers on-site livestock water testing services at 33 locations across the state. 

dairy beef steers eating out of a feed bunk

Dairy Beef Crosses in the Feedyard

Both feedlot producers and dairymen have a unique set of challenges along with opportunities when it comes to raising and feeding dairy beef cross animals.

Attendees viewing a presentation at the I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course.

I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is March 25

March 10, 2025

The 2025 I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT on March 25 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.

An expert stands in front of a corn field and speaks to attendees of a field day

SDSU Extension co-hosting virtual Forage Field Day

August 02, 2024

Forage Field Day brings together experts, producers, and industry professionals to provide panel discussions and presentations on forage-related topics. Originally scheduled to be held in Concord, Nebraska, event organizers moved to a virtual-only event to accommodate a wider audience.