Managing Through Feed Supply Disruptions

Warren Rusche SDSU Extension Beef Feedlot Management Associate Key Takeaways Availability of distillers grains may be limited in some locations because of production slow-downs related to COVID-19 and changes in the supply-demand picture for fuel.Alternative protein sources are available, including oilseed meal, commercial supplements with and without urea, and high-protein roughages.Cattle feeders should visit with their nutritionist or Extension specialists to make sure that all the implications of changing supplemental protein sources are…

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Alternative Pasture Weed Control

Gared Shaffer SDSU Extension Weeds Field Specialist The term ‘weed’ can be broadly applied to any plant that is undesirable at any given time and place based on certain criteria. It is important to understand that the word ‘weed’ has become a general term with no universal definition, and many plants are considered to be weeds, depending on location. For example, a corn plant in a soybean field is considered a weed although both plants are major…

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Ensure Herd Bulls Are Ready for the Upcoming Breeding

Olivia Amundson SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Spring calving for some is underway, while for others is approaching quickly. This indicates the next breeding season is right around the corner. Percent of calf crop weaned on any operation is the single largest factor influencing profitability. Subsequently, herd bulls influence herd fertility more than any other single animal. Soundness and fertility of these animals is essential to the future calf crop and profitability of…

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Grass Tetany: Now Is the Time to Prepare

Adele Harty SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist The warmer spring temperatures have been a welcome reprieve from the cold experienced across the region in 2019. With warmer temperatures and significant soil moisture, ranchers need to be proactive in mitigating grass tetany risk. Cool season grasses are beginning to green up, posing a risk for cows with young calves. As the temperatures continue to increase, cool season grasses, such as crested wheatgrass will grow…

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Net Wrap Removal Made Easy

Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist I was approached by a cattle producer about efficiently removing net wrap. As many of you know, net wrap has its advantages as well as disadvantages, but is largely used as a hay binding material. Current research being conducted at the Cottonwood Field Station is looking at the impact of net wrap accumulation in the rumen when hay is ground with net wrap. The large question…

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Rotational Grazing Improves Stocking Capacity and Ranch Profitability

Tong Wang, SDSU Extension Advanced Production Specialist Livestock stocking rate is considered as one of the most important decisions that ranchers can make, as heavy stocking rate causes grassland degradation and adversely impact the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services. However, only maintaining proper stocking rate is not enough, as inappropriate grazing management strategies will also cause rangeland degradation. Continuous Grazing vs. Rotational Grazing Currently, continuous grazing is the dominant practice in the U.S.…

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Using Increased Longevity to Reduce Annual Cow Cost

Julie Walker , Professor & SDSU Extension Beef Specialist When evaluating annual cow cost, feed rises to the top of the list. Feed cost is an important area to consider; however, have you evaluated the cost of incorporating replacement heifers into the cowherd? Cost of developing a pregnant replacement heifer will vary by operation. However, most producers would agree that this cost could be over $1,000. When figuring the specific development costs, here…

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Alternative Calving Considerations

Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Range Field Specialist Structuring a calving program that best suites farm and ranch operations can be challenging. Of primary concern are: weather, labor, market timing, and animal health considerations, with weather possibly being the most volatile factor, as it ranges from challenging to catastrophic in some years. Evaluating alternatives that can improve calving conditions and quality of life, while also reducing financial and health risks is an important step…

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Testing Your Beef Cattle for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Written collaboratively by Russ Daly, Christopher Chase, Travis Clement and Matt Dammen. Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is among the most important pathogens affecting today’s beef and dairy cattle operations. Associated with reproductive, digestive, and respiratory illnesses in cattle, the virus can also create a congenital, persistent infection in calves, greatly aiding the virus’ spread within and between herds. Testing and removal of these persistently infected (BVDV-PI) calves is the hallmark of BVDV…

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Guidelines for Livestock Carcass Disposal in South Dakota

Tracey Erickson SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Even though every producer tries their best to keep all animals born alive, there will always be death loss in livestock production systems. Thus, we need to keep in mind the regulations surrounding disposal. Why? Carcass disposal is crucial to preventing the spread of disease and protecting the environment as well as being regulated by South Dakota law with oversight provided by the South Dakota Animal…

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