Meat, Wool and Dairy

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling Direct to Consumer

The growing interest in food chain transparency has fostered the growth of direct marketing meat to consumers. Learn some of the challenges and opportunities this style of marketing offers lamb producers.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Estimating Finish Weights

Determining when lambs should be harvested is critical for optimal quality and consumer satisfaction.

Considerations for Increasing Wool Value

The wool market continually rewards those who emphasize high-quality production. Efforts to increase wool clip value can be made through regular management practices and proper wool clip preparation at shearing.

Economically Relevant Wool Traits and Wool Heritability

South Dakota is known for a high reputation wool clip. Emphasis on economically important wool traits coupled with careful genetic selection helps promote production, profitability and sustainability in an operation.

Knowing Your Numbers: What are your operational benchmarks?

Tightening margins have posed a challenge to many sheep producers over the last few years. Enterprise budgeting and knowing your operational benchmarks can help.

Selling Grade A and B Dairy and Dairy Products in South Dakota

There has been an interest in manufacturing and processing dairy products by South Dakota food entrepreneurs. Learn everything you need to know about the basic requirements for processing and selling Grade A and Grade B dairy and dairy products in our state.

Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat

If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.

So, You Want to Build a Meat Processing Facility? Five Initial Steps to Consider

The need for more small meat processing capacity and skilled workers is not a new problem facing rural America. No matter the reason for wanting to build, here are some steps to consider before diving in.

Meat (Not) For Sale

Before buying meat from local livestock producers, take the time to understand the rules and regulations of local meat processing.