Content by Taylor Grussing
FSA Program Updates
In this episode of Cattle HQ, Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist visits with the South Dakota Farm Service Agency about the programs available to financially assist producers during disaster events. Drought, flood and heat related losses are just some of the events that can provide financial assistance for producers.
SDSU Extension provides additional drop boxes for free nitrate testing
July 30, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is providing additional drop-off locations for free nitrate testing to ensure a safe feed supply for livestock as dry conditions linger across much of the state.
Forage-Based Heifer Development Systems
Forage-based heifer development systems offer producers a practical opportunity to reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable reproductive performance. By effectively utilizing available forage resources, heifers can be developed efficiently with reduced reliance on harvested feeds.
Resources for Early Weaning Beef Calves
Early weaning calves is one way to decrease nutrient demands of the cow herd and extend grazing days during adverse weather conditions. Learn some important management strategies to consider before weaning younger calves.
Dakotafest
Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.
Hauling Water to Cows: When water is not everywhere
When drought hits, water failing to fall from the sky is not the only place water is missing. Dugouts, ponds, and creeks also dry up quickly, and the need to haul water may exist to keep cattle grazing.
Fly Management for Cattle
There are several species of flies that can reduce the production value of livestock, particularly during hot, dry weather. To manage these pests, it’s important to be able to accurately identify them and understand their life cycles.
Managing Nitrates
In this episode of Cattle HQ, Kim Ricardo, SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist, Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist and Parker Witt, SDSU Extension Crop-Livestock Systems Field Specialist discuss current climate conditions and how they may influence forage and feed management decisions.
Drought Planning Resources
In this episode of Cattle HQ, we focus on taking stock of current growing conditions and making key operational adjustments to manage the cattle herd and forage resources in challenging weather conditions including drought-stricken areas of the Midwest.
High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows
Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.