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Content by Warren Rusche

Mixed cattle eating at a feedbunk.

How Much Silage Can I Feed To Finishing Cattle?

What effect does feeding increased amounts of corn silage have on beef cattle performance and system-wide efficiency? See what a set of recent SDSU Extension research experiments found out.

Black angus cattle eating from a feed bunk.

Feeding Hybrid Rye Grain to Cattle

Feedlot researchers at SDSU were approached to evaluate the potential for hybrid rye to be used in cattle finishing diets. See what they found in terms of cattle performance and feed efficiency.

Group of black cattle at a feed bunk.

Comparing Soybean Meal to Distillers Grains for Finishing Cattle

Do different protein sources lead to significant performance differences in finishing cattle? The results of a recent experiment at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm offer cattle feeders some encouraging findings.

SDSU Extension encourages attending SD Cattlemen’s feedlot tours on July 20

June 27, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is inviting cattle producers, allied industry professionals or anyone interested in feeding cattle to attend the annual South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association Feeder Council feedlot tour on July 20 near Baltic, South Dakota.

Young wheat plants showing early symptoms of drought stress.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Small Grains

South Dakota producers often must consider whether to abandon plans to harvest small grain as a cash crop and pivot to harvesting as forage. Learn some factors to keep in mind when evaluating salvage options.

Two black angus cattle exhibiting heat stress symptoms.

Heat Stress in Feedlot Cattle

High temperatures, humidity and low air movement create the perfect storm for heat stress in feedlots. Learn some expert tips for maintaining performance and reducing losses as we approach the hottest months of the year.

Rancher and marketing consultant meeting in a cattle pasture.

Economic Contribution of the South Dakota Beef Industry

From added value to the economy to jobs throughout the state, the widespread impact of the South Dakota beef industry may surprise you. Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist, examines some highlights from recent economic research.

Feed truck loading up a feedlot feed bunker.

Incorporating Corn Into Beef Cow Rations Can Save Forage and Feed Expenses

For operations with the right facilities and management ability, replacing forage with corn can stretch forage supplies and potentially reduce feed costs.

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

Group of mixed feedlot cattle resting in straw bedding during winter weather.

Strategic Feedlot Bedding

Providing bedding is one of the time-tested strategies for dealing with winter weather. But how does bedding affect the bottom-line?