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Content by Warren Rusche

several cattlemen on horseback moving a herd of cattle at pasture

Cow Share Agreements

Getting started in the cattle business can be tricky for beginning cattlemen due to the amount of capital investment needed upfront.

A group of mixed cattle in a feedlot.

Adding Value to Corn Through Cattle

What is the “best” way to evaluate profitability of an enterprise, more specifically feeding cattle?

A group of calves in a feedlot with ample bedding.

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.

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

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.

A closeup shot of a cow's nose and mouth.

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)!

A group of calves in a feedlot.

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.

tractor near pile of harvested silage

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.

Calf grazing in pasture.

Managing Light-Weight Calves

Weaning calves early is a powerful management tool to reduce demands on range and pasture.

rancher observing cattle at a feedbunk

Making Use of “Ugly” Feeds

Feed does not have to be perfect to be useful. The key to making smart feeding decisions is knowing what the imperfections are and adjusting accordingly.

Supplementing Cows on Pasture to Stretch Forage Supplies

With dry conditions spreading quickly across the Dakota’s, producers are forced to make challenging decisions on how many cow/calf pairs to turn out to pasture, and then determine how long the pastures will even last if moisture doesn’t come soon. During the spring/summer months, supplementing grass with energy and protein can decrease forage dry matter consumption.