Content by Ken Olson

Beef carcass prepped for evaluation in a meat lab.

Growth Promotant Technologies: Impact on Beef Production and Meat Quality - Research

A study conducted by SDSU researchers evaluated the impact additive combinations of growth-promotant technologies can have on beef carcass characteristics and tenderness.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing a vast, open rangeland.

History and Current Value of the Range Beef Cow Symposium

In December 1969, four extension specialists from Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota developed a symposium to provide cutting edge information to beef cattle producers. Years later, this valuable tradition continues at the biennial Range Beef Cow Symposium.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

SDSU Extension co-sponsoring Range Beef Cow Symposium for cattle producers

October 27, 2023

Colorado State University’s Department of Animal Sciences will host the 28th Range Beef Cow Symposium on Dec. 13-14 at The Ranch in Loveland, Colorado. There also will be a pre-symposium Beef Quality Assurance training on Dec. 12.

Field pennycress

Toxic Plants in Dormant Pasture and Hay: Field Pennycress

Toxic plants negatively impact livestock by decreasing reproductive performance (breeding and calving rate), reducing weight gains, and causing animal health issues and death. Assessing and treating animals experiencing toxicity may increase operation costs through either veterinary intervention or death loss.

beefSD participants in a pasture

beefSD Class 6

beefSD is an intensive educational program designed to take participants to the next level in beef enterprise management.

Color-coded map showing average grazing readiness date for Western Wheatgrass in South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grazing Readiness Spring Turnout Map

The South Dakota Grazing Readiness Map uses historical climate data to provide livestock producers with a range of spring turnout dates for their location based on grass type.

Mother cow with calf in a dry, drought-stressed rangeland.

Early Registration for 2021 Range Beef Cow Symposium Ends Nov. 1

October 25, 2021

The two-day meeting will be held Nov. 16-17 at the Monument (formerly the Rushmore Plaza Civic Center) in Rapid City, South Dakota.

A group of cattle grazing in fall pasture.

Organizers Unveil Lineup for the XXVII Range Beef Cow Symposium

September 21, 2021

Cattle ranchers and industry professionals are invited to hear the latest cutting-edge information and updates at the upcoming Range Beef Cow Symposium Nov. 16-17 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production

This comprehensive book provides producers with insight and education into the latest beef management, handling practices and technology.

Young calves with cattle herd in spring.

Selecting a Calving Season Based on Matching Nutritional Needs and Resources

Choosing the calving season is a complex and highly individual decision for each beef cattle producer. A primary consideration in pasture-based cow-calf operations is choosing a calving season that will best match the forage supply to forage demand.