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Content by Warren Rusche

Black angus calves in a corral.

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?

group of cattle at feedbunk

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.

Flooded soybean field with tan, corn residue throughout.

Replanting in Flooded Soybean Fields

If you have large, flooded areas where soybeans have died this summer and herbicides are limiting your replant options, consider trying late-maturing soybeans as cattle feed this year.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Your Cash Crop Flooded Out. What’s Plan B?

With significantly higher than normal precipitation in eastern South Dakota, many producers will soon be seeking a "Plan B" for their flooded-out row crops.

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

Animal Science Research and Extension Report

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.

Young, black angus cattle eating feed in a feedlot.

SDSU, UNL Extension host Siouxland Feedlot Forum

April 27, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension are hosting a Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 18, 2024, in South Sioux City, Nebraska.

Cattle at a concrete feed bunk at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Case Study: Effect of Adding More Concrete to Open Pens

Mud caused by excessive precipitation dramatically reduces cattle performance. Pouring additional concrete and working on improving pen surfaces are approaches that can improve poor-weather performance in an open yard.

Row of black cattle eating roughage in a feedlot.

Roughage Use in Finishing Cattle Diets

Research has found that greater incorporation of roughage in cattle diets may reduce the risk of digestive upset and simplify management with minimal efficiency losses.

Small herd of cattle grazing in a snow covered field

SDSU, NDSU Extension hosting beef cattle feeding programs

January 22, 2024

The SDSU Extension Dakota Alternative Beef Cow Systems Symposium is designed to help farmers and ranchers navigate the rising costs of the pastures and forages used to feed beef cattle. There will be two in-person events and one virtual event via Zoom.