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Content by Jaelyn Whaley

a while dog sitting in a field with sheep.

Livestock Guardian Dogs That Work: Practical Tips Backed by Producers and Science

Livestock Guard Dogs are indispensable partners in predator protection for sheep and other livestock.

Sheep lined up at a feed bunk at the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit.
Jul 18

Profit-Driven Sheep Management: Budgets, Lenders and Smart Changes @ Huron

Join SDSU Extension Sheep Field Specialist Jaelyn Whaley for a presentation on profit-driven sheep management from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. CDT on July 18 at The SHED at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds (1060 3rd St. SW, Huron, SD 57350).

Golden windrows in a hay field

SDSU Extension encourages testing forage nitrate levels

June 11, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging producers to test the nitrate levels in their forages.

Three black-face sheep being inspected in a show ring.

Gearing Up for State Fair: Understanding Market Lamb Gains

Prepare for the state fair and better understand market lamb gains and weigh-backs.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

How to Test Hay and Forage for Nitrate Levels Using Test Strips

Step-by-step instructions for how to complete Nitrate testing for forage and hay.

A hairy, wingless fly that is reddish-brown in color.

Sheep Keds in South Dakota

Factsheet covering the lifecycle, identification and management options for Sheep Keds in South Dakota.

Producer shearing a sheep inside a barn.

Shearing Before Lambing: A Management Tool for Lamb Growth and Survival

While some producers shear primarily for wool management, recent research has shown that pre-lambing shearing can also influence lamb birth weight, vigor, and early growth.

Two young women observing a group of sheep in a holding pen.

Managing Sheep Keds

Sheep keds (Melophagus ovinus) are blood-sucking external parasites that can significantly impact sheep production.

SDSU meat counter decorated for the holidays. Four employees stand at the front counter smiling.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market

The ethnic market plays a crucial role in the success of the American lamb industry. Learn some keys to success for taking advantage of seasonal demand and price fluctuations in this growing market, including when and where to sell.

Lamb with older sheep in the background

Three outstanding operations receive SD Master Lamb Producer Awards

October 30, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Master Lamb Producer Awards.