Goats
All Goats Content
Forage Resources Available to S.D. Farmers and Ranchers
Forages are a very important part of the South Dakota livestock and cropping industries. Often, producers have difficulties finding enough forage for their herd or locating a fellow producer to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely-recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.
Importance of Proper Forage Sampling
As dairymen and livestock caretakers, we are trying to optimize the performance of our livestock, whether it is producing milk or meat. Without knowing the quality of the feedstuff or forage we are feeding, it becomes difficult to balance a ration to ensure the animal is receiving the proper amounts of needed nutrients.
Round Bale Storage Conservation
Fact sheet discussing conservation of round bale storage.
Structuring Grazing Leases
Fact sheet including ranch resource goals to improve landowner - lessee relationships.
Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem
Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.
How Important Is Water Quality to Livestock?
Water is the most important nutrient to all livestock animals and is sometimes overlooked. Poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal.
Dealing With Emergency Manure Runoff
With the recent flooding that the region has experienced and snowmelt that is yet to come, it is essential for livestock operators with animal waste management systems to regularly check on structures in order to prevent a manure storage spill.
Minimizing Hay Storage Loss From Heating or Fires
Successful hay storage is essential to preserving high quality forage, while ensuring desired performance from livestock and deterring economic losses from unwanted hay storage fires.
Livestock Stress Tool
Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.
Effecting Change Towards Economic Growth
During 2018 the main driver for South Dakota's economic growth continued to be agriculture. It is still the number one industry, with almost $20 billion in impact yearly. In today’s uncertain economic environment, two things can help farmers succeed: information and knowledge.