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Swine

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A series of hog barns.

SowBridge Educational Series Kicks off February 2

January 26, 2022

SowBridge, an online educational series created to provide the latest production-based information to swine producers, begins on Feb. 2, 2022.

group of dairy workers observing manure storage facility. Photo by Kari Cohen, NRCS.

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.

A group of dairy employees having a discussion around a barbecue grill.

Employee Turnover: It Is Important in Agriculture Also

Lots of conversations in agriculture lately focuses around labor or the lack of a labor pool of employees. This is the case not only for dairy farms, but also within the entire agriculture industry.

A downed rural power line following an ice storm.

Caring for Animals When the Power Goes Out

Power outages bring with them a different set of circumstances to every animal operation. Questions about animal care and animal health products in the midst of electricity loss should be directed to your veterinarian.

black cow drinking from a nearly empty stock pond.

Feed & Water Testing Laboratories

A partial listing of available feed testing laboratories.

Labeled cooler and vaccines ready for anyone who is loading syringes.

Keeping Your Vaccines Viable

Vaccines are a vital part of keeping all livestock healthy. Vaccines help in the prevention of disease, which results in less utilization of antibiotics due to fewer sick animals. A valid vet-client-patient relationship will help you as you select the vaccine of choice for your livestock health program.

A manure pit at a dairy farm.

Putting Manure Handling Safety Into Practice

As livestock producers, we should know the dangers of manure pit gases. As safety equipment improves with advancements in technology, we must provide training on proper manure handling safety protocols and the use of equipment.

A manure pit in a dairy facility.

Understanding Manure Storage System Safety Risks

Many producers know and understand the risks associated with confined manure handling systems, but accidents and deaths still occur because unwarranted risks are taken as manure is being handled and removed from the systems.

A diseased pig lung

Get to the Root of Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex

Respiratory disease incidence increases in swine in the fall and winter. Changeable weather seems to trigger outbreaks. You and your veterinarian can supply meaningful samples to aid in determining a diagnosis. Contact your local diagnostic laboratory if you have questions on sampling.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

SDSU Swine Day to Celebrate Swine Education and Research Facility’s Fifth Anniversary

October 08, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility at this year’s Swine Day on Nov. 2.