Precision Agriculture
Beyond the Fence: Harnessing virtual fencing technology to improve sheep grazing and health management
Virtual fencing is not a new concept, but advancements in technology have expanded its usability in livestock production. A team of researchers at the West River Research and Extension Center partnered with SARE and a local sheep producer to learn more about the grazing management and herd health using virtual fencing and drone technology.
SDSU Extension, SD Water Resources Institute to host Good Neighbor AI Symposium
November 04, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute is hosting an artificial intelligence symposium to educate the public on modern AI infrastructure demands and the potential benefits of its use for rural residents.
SDSU Extension to host educational series at Cottonwood Field Station
October 26, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension and SDSU’s Cottonwood Field Station are excited to introduce Coffee at Cottonwood, a new educational series about livestock and rangeland management.
National Animal Nutrition Program Leads the Way: Putting Artificial Intelligence to Work in Feed Management
Artificial intelligence is rapidly changing agriculture, but its value on the farm depends on whether it can help producers make better decisions. The National Animal Nutrition Program has been working to turn AI-based approaches into practical tools that can help livestock producers reduce feed losses and improve profitability.
Coffee at Cottonwood: Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture
SDSU Extension and the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station will host Coffee at Cottonwood, focused on artificial intelligence in agriculture, on March 5 at 9:00 a.m. at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station (23738 Fairview Road, Philip, SD 57567).
Coffee at Cottonwood: Hands-On Virtual Fencing
SDSU Extension and the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station will host Coffee at Cottonwood, focused on virtual fencing technology, on November 6 at 9:00 a.m. at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station (23738 Fairview Road, Philip, SD 57567).
SDSU Extension experts to attend 2026 Dakotafest
July 22, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension experts will attend the 2026 Dakotafest trade show in Mitchell, providing educational resources and hands-on activities for a variety of topics.
SDSU Extension leads the way in precision livestock research and use
June 09, 2026
It may seem like major cities have the advantage on cutting-edge research, but for precision range and livestock research, look to South Dakota. The primary hub of that research is conducted at the Cottonwood Field Station, a 2,640-acre station in western South Dakota’s grasslands.
Feed Management in a High-Data Livestock Industry
Livestock feeding systems are generating more data than ever before. In modern feed management, success depends less on how much data is collected and more on how effectively that data is translated into biologically sound decisions.
GPS Tracking Ear Tags in Beef Cattle Production
GPS tracking ear tags are an exciting advancement in precision livestock technology that can improve operational efficiency, provide real-time animal monitoring, and generate alerts when animals leave designated areas.