Content by Robin Salverson

A group of black Angus cows standing in spring pasture.

Detection of Standing Estrus in Cattle

Fact sheet to help with the detection of standing estrus in cattle. Available in English and Spanish.

Rancher holding a notepad beside a feed bunk.

SDSU Extension to Host Cattle AI Schools in Philip and Brookings in November

October 01, 2020

SDSU Extension is hosting cattle Artificial Insemination (AI) School in Philip and Brookings this fall.

A small herd of black angus cattle at pasture.

Understanding Estrous Synchronization of Cattle

Fact sheet on the use of estrus synchronization of cattle. Available in English and Spanish.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Bovine Estrous Cycle

Fact sheet on the bovine estrous cycle. Available in English and Spanish.

A stock pond with noticable blue-green algae bloom throughout.

Blue-Green Algae and Livestock

With warmer temperatures, the conditions are right for blue-green algae blooms. Different species of blue-green algae contain various toxins, which can poison livestock, resulting in rapid death.

A stock pond with algae blooms developing throughout.

How Important Is Water Quality to Livestock?

Water is the most important nutrient to all livestock animals and is sometimes overlooked. Poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal.

A group of cattle grazing in a sprawling rangeland.

Rancher’s Perspective on Challenging Heifers

This article will share a rancher’s perspective on challenging heifers during the breeding season in Northwestern South Dakota.

black cow drinking from a nearly empty stock pond.

Feed & Water Testing Laboratories

A partial listing of available feed testing laboratories.

A female producer looking over paperwork in a farm office near a computer station.

Social Distancing for Livestock Producers

Living in rural South Dakota, we have an advantage of social distancing ourselves from others. However, there are normal activities we are used to doing that will need to be adjusted for everyone’s safety this year. As you plan your spring livestock work, here are some things to keep in mind and practice for your own safety and the safety of your community members.

Black cow and calf out on muddy pasture with hay and straw bedding. Photo by Sara Bauder.

Planning for a Muddy Breeding Season

Early calving spring cow herds have wrapped up calving and are preparing for breeding season. If you are having flashbacks to breeding in the mud of 2018, try approaching this year with an open mind and review breeding season protocols with a “mud” backup plan.