Content by Kim Ricardo
Developing Heifers to Fit Your Production Environment
The long-term sustainability and profitability of the cow-calf industry depend on retaining females that fit both the production goals and environmental constraints of an operation.
Annual Forage Rainfall Index Insurance: A Risk Management Tool for South Dakota Producers
Drought remains a recurring challenge for South Dakota livestock and forage producers. Annual Forage Rainfall Index insurance is one tool that may help reduce the financial risk associated with below-average precipitation.
The Impact of Mature Cow Size on Profitability in Cow-Calf Operations
The mature weight of the U.S. cow herd has steadily increased over time. While larger cows are often perceived as more productive, this trend brings several economic challenges.
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.
Multi-Species Grazing and Integrated Livestock Systems
In this episode of Cattle HQ, we visited with Jaelyn Whaley and Dave Ollila to discuss multi-species livestock integration and how sheep and cattle can work together to improve grazing management, forage utilization, and overall ranch resilience. Drawing from both Extension and producer perspectives, the conversation explores the opportunities, challenges, and practical considerations involved in incorporating sheep into grazing systems.
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.
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.
Drought-Stressed Forage: Nitrate Considerations
While drought-stressed forages can provide valuable feed, they may also carry an increased risk of nitrate accumulation. Producers should be aware of before grazing, harvesting, and feeding these forages.
Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought
Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.
Strategic Culling During Drought Can Strengthen Ranch Profitability
In today’s cattle market, thoughtful culling decisions can provide a dual benefit, generating immediate income from strong cull cow prices while reducing the number of animals to feed during periods of high feed costs and drought stress.