Content by Warren Rusche
Storing Wet and Modified Distillers Grains
One of the primary challenges for livestock producers in the coming months could very well be feedstuff cost and availability due to the fact that the corn planted acreage and crop progress are both well behind normal benchmarks. One opportunity that might help cattle feeders proactively secure feed supplies would be storing wet or modified distiller’s grains now to be fed at a later date.
Delayed Planting Challenges: Alternative Forages
With the excessively wet planting conditions much of South Dakota is now experiencing, many producers are looking for “Plan B” to meet forage needs for their livestock, or as a commodity that can be marketed to livestock producers.
Cow Share Agreements
Getting started in the cattle business can be tricky for beginning cattlemen due to the amount of capital investment needed upfront.
Adding Value to Corn Through Cattle
What is the “best” way to evaluate profitability of an enterprise, more specifically feeding cattle?
Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions
Winter weather conditions often present challenges to cattle managers in the Northern Plains. Although we can’t alter the weather, there are management steps that can be taken to help maintain cattle health and performance.
SDSU Extension Silage/Earlage Calculator
The Silage/Earlage Calculator is designed to help corn and livestock producers answer questions regarding the value of standing fields of corn either as grain, silage and earlage.
Using Feed Testing to Control Variation
By now all the summer and fall’s work of getting forage harvested has wrapped up. Now comes the task of converting all of that work into animal protein (at a profit)!
And They’re Off! Winning the Calf Starting Race
Feeding cattle successfully is a bit like a horse race; a bad start can doom the chances of winning. Getting calves off to a great start is crucially important if we want to maintain health and performance throughout the feeding period.
Silage Moisture Testing Tips
Two key points to keep in mind when making high-quality silage are moisture content before harvest and nutrient content before feeding.
Managing Light-Weight Calves
Weaning calves early is a powerful management tool to reduce demands on range and pasture.