Content by Warren Rusche

Producer examining a head of milo growing in a field.

Replacing Corn With Milo in Cattle Diets

Corn is king when it comes to cattle diets, especially in the Corn Belt. However, that does not mean that corn grain is our only option. Milo (grain sorghum) can be a viable option under certain market conditions.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

Cattle lined up along a feed bunk as a truck loads feed.

How Protein Source Affects Protein Metabolism in Ruminants

While it is common to balance beef cattle diets based on the crude protein system, it does not paint an accurate picture of what is occurring inside the animal, leading to gaps in nutrition and economic losses.

Black cattle heads poke out of a fence into a cement feeding trough filled with hay

SDSU Extension helping cattle producers grow bigger, better beef

May 28, 2025

Warren Rusche would contend that some of the best cattle in North America are born in South Dakota. That gives Rusche and the rest of the applied feedlot research group at SDSU a unique opportunity, and they are making the most of it.

Pre-conference speakers join 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

May 28, 2025

A pre-conference program and reception have been added to the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 16-17, 2025, in Sioux Falls, and registration is still available.

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle

SDSU Extension to host Youth Beef Summit

May 14, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host a new event for youth age 12-21 to learn about the beef industry.

Registration open for 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

April 28, 2025

Registration is now open for the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 17, 2025, in Sioux Falls.

Registration open for SDSU Extension Calf Value Discovery program

September 18, 2024

Cow/calf operators can gain valuable information to improve their operations by participating in the program. To participate, producers consign a minimum of five steer calves weighing 500 to 800 pounds.

Angus crossbred calf with a yellow ear tag.

Research Update: Supplement Delivery Methods for Weaned Calves

When transitioning calves through weaning, it is critical to ensure that they consume nutrients to support their immune system and to set them up for rapid, efficient gains. But what supplement delivery methods work best?

Feeding Damaged Wheat to Cattle

Feeding damaged wheat to livestock is one way to salvage value from the crop. Wheat can work well in cattle diets with some limitations.