Blog

Dairy cows are ruminant animals, which means that the feed in their bellies ferments during digestion, producing methane and carbon dioxide gases. The quality of feed consumed by cows impacts this fermentation and the quantity of milk they produce. Higher quality forages, like corn, produce more milk and less gas. Dairy Science Professor Alvaro Garcia discusses how using cheaper forage alternatives to corn can result in less milk and more gas.

Temperatures over the weekend dipped into the lower 30's and mid 20's throughout the state, causing some light damage to crops in some regions. While the sudden temperature drop came somewhat unexpected in the wake of this season's uncharacteristically high temperatures, SDSU Extension Climatoligitst Dennis Todey explains how May freezes are more common than one might think.

The most recent world ag supply and demand estimate for May solidified the fact that a huge corn crop is in the works. SDSU Economics Professor Darrell Mark explains how record yield projections will affect corn prices.

A new series of hands-on field tours called "wheat walks" were held on May 14 & 15 at four different locations throughout South Dakota. Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist Connie Strunk discusses the learning opportunities that "wheat walks" present to growers.

Sexed semen has been used for many years by the dairy industry as heifers fetch a premium over bull calves. SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist explains how today's beef industry is also finding sexed semen useful for conceiving more desirable offspring.

Efforts to improve out-of-season breeding and lambing have taken a big step forward in recent years thanks to advancements in Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) technology. SDSU Extension Sheep Specialist Jeff Held discusses the benefits of CIDR technology for sheep breeding.

SDSU Extension Climate Field Specialist Laura Edwards discusses the impact of high winds, heavy rain, and hail throughout South Dakota during the weekend of May 5, 2012.

The Chicago Mercantile Exchange is proposing to expand its grain trading window to 22 hours a day, beginning at 6 p.m. and ending at 4 p.m. the next day. SDSU Economics Professor Darrell Mark explains the pros and cons to an extended trading day.

Like most agricultural inputs these days, rental rates for pastures are on the rise and many farmers are finding themselves in need of new lease agreements. SDSU Extension Beef Specialist Ken Olson explains the importance behind understanding the terminology on pasture leases.

The fertility levels of beef herds are directly impacted by producer management. SDSU Beef Reproduction Specialist George Perry explains how nutrition is a key factor in keeping estro cycling on track.

Milk is rarely in the news as a food that causes human health concerns thanks to modern pasteurization technologies. Nevertheless, SDSU Extension Dairy Specialist Alvaro Garcia shares discusses the consumption of raw milk can lead to harmful results due to the risk of bacteria contamination.

Springtime moisture has been welcome across South Dakota with rainfall events bringing welcome water to the state's dry soils. SDSU Extension Climatologist Denis Todey discusses how the week's upcoming clear skies and calm winds should provide ideal planting conditions for farmers throughout the state.

U.S. consumers have been hit with multiple negatives concerning lean, finely textured beef this spring. While cattle markets and beef prices have suffered because of this news, cooler heads have prevailed and consumer confidence in U.S. beef remains strong. SDSU Adjunct Economics Professor Darrell Marks comments on the beef industry's road to recovery.

Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist Jim Krantz discusses some common mistakes in artificial insemination programs. Successful artificial breeding takes proper tools, facilities and timing, along with a trained technician. iGrow radio shares a number of tips and techniques for making your A.I. program a success.

iGrow radio looks at ways to increase breeding success by detecting standing estrus. Standing estrus, or heat detection, means the cow or heifer will stand when mounted, and it is receptive to being bred. SDSU Beef Reproduction Specialist George Perry takes discusses how proper detection of this phenomenon can be used to a breeder's advantage.

Growing season is well underway across South Dakota and farmers need to stay on top of what's happening in their fields. Extension Agronomy Field Specialist Ruth Beck believes crop scouting is a key step in managing weeds, diseases and insects.

Severe weather can occur at any time and people who work outdoors, like farmers and ranchers, are at greater risk from sudden storms. Extension Climate Field Specialist Laura Edwards encourages producers to prepare for severe weather by staying on top of weather announcements with a smart phone, weather radio or general media notices.

While Friday's Cattle on Feed report held few surprises for traders, the USDA Monthly Cold Storage report did stir some interest. SDSU Adjunct Economics Professor Darrell Mark explains the Cold Storage Report is a snapshot of the number of pounds of been in commercial storage.

Corn planting is underway in some regions of South Dakota with growers having already locked in inputs like seed, fertilizer and fuel. SDSU Extension Agronomy Business Management Field Specialist Don Guthmiller says some farmers may still be on the fence as to how much corn to plant.

South Dakota farmers have a green light for corn planting now that the early start plant date for crop insurance is behind us. SDSU Extension Field Specialist Paul Johnson advises farmers to be ready with their seed corn, checking to ensure they have the traits in seed they ordered.