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Content by Bob Thaler

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Heavy Metals in Swine Manure

This fact sheet explains what heavy metals are, how they enter swine manure, how they behave in soil, and what practical steps producers can take to reduce long-term risks.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Using Swine Manure Phosphorus More Efficienlty in South Dakota Cropping Systems

This fact sheet explains how feeding strategies, especially the use of low-phytate corn and related diet adjustments, can reduce phosphorus excretion in swine manure.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Swine Manure and Nitrate Leaching

This fact sheet explains how nitrate leaching occurs, why swine manure increases risk under certain conditions, and what producers can do to keep nitrogen where crops can use it.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Best Practices for Swine Manure Application

This fact sheet summarizes research-based practices to help producers, consultants, and conservation professionals make practical decisions that protect both productivity and stewardship.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

This fact sheet summarizes what research shows about how swine manure affects SOC and what that means for field-level decisions.

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension invites operators to CAFO environmental training

November 14, 2025

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on Dec. 3, 2025, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

Pigs in a feeding facility

SDSU Extension invites operators to CAFO environmental training

May 20, 2025

There will be an environmental training session for operators of concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs) on June 25, 2025, at the Crossroads Convention Center in Huron.

group of young piglets

The Healthy Swine Herd Series

Series of publications to keep your swine herd healthy

Three men smile for the camera. The man in the center holds a plaque

2024 Master Pork Producers announced

February 28, 2025

The 2024 South Dakota Master Pork Producer winners were announced Jan. 15, 2025, during the 56th annual South Dakota Pork Congress in Sioux Falls. Recipients are Brian Mehlhaf, of Madison; Cristina Rocha, Iroquois; and Ross Mencke, Onida.

Microscope analyzing a glass slide.

Midwest animal science meeting to highlight SDSU research

February 18, 2025

This year’s meeting is March 9-12, 2025, in Omaha, Nebraska, and will include student competitions, symposiums and presentations highlighting the research students and faculty are conducting.