Content by Jameson Brennan
Ranch Drought Planning
Fact sheet with general drought planning tips from the range and natural resource perspective.
Range Roundup: Virtual Fencing Project Takes Place at the Cottonwood Field Station
Virtual fencing (borders without physical barriers) has started making waves in the cattle industry, and it can be used to implement precision grazing management. Our team is researching its use and utility at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station starting this summer.
Bison Economics Tool
The SDSU Bison Economic Tool provides bison producers with up-to-date, monthly bison market information. The rapid and user-friendly visualization capabilities enhance communication and evaluation of how the industry is performing compared to previous months.
Mineral Consumption Calculator
Mineral consumption is key to determining whether or not nutrient requirements are being met. The mineral consumption calculator was developed as a tool to make monitoring and tracking consumption easier.
Trigger Dates: Critical Decisions for Drought Management
Having a drought plan in place ensures that you can overcome the inhibitions surrounding a drought response, the basis of which is figuring out trigger dates.
Adaptive Management: One Strategy To Increase Your Operation’s Flexibility and Resiliency
Adaptive management is a strategy that livestock producers can use to manage year-to-year variability in forage production and build drought resiliency for their operations.
Managing For Annual Swings in Forage Production
Being able to adapt your stocking rate and grazing intensity to fit forage conditions provides you with tangible management actions you can take to protect your pastures from overgrazing in any year.
Grazing Calculator
The SDSU Extension Grazing Calculator eliminates the guesswork and mess associated with doing calculations by hand. It requires a few inputs on your end, and you will be able to save a downloadable Excel file for your record keeping.
The Importance of Math in the Art of Grazing
It might seem a bit silly to check in on your stocking rate calculations, but it is something that is undoubtedly worth your time, whether you’re a seasoned rancher or you’re still trying to get your feet under you.