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Feeding in SD
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Feedlot Management
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Feedlot Management
The look of livestock feeding operations in South Dakota has changed quite a bit in the last decade. Today's cattle feeders have many options available to them when deciding how they want to address cattle comfort, cattle performance, and environmental compliance.
The traditional open lot outside feed yard has proven to be a staple in the cattle feeding industry. Using the sophisticated equipment and machinery available today, cattlemen are able to construct open lot feed yards that are designed to drain efficiently. This maximizes cattle comfort while still providing containment to manage manure and runoff and maintain environmental compliance. Producers in South Dakota have also started using “Monoslope Confinement” barns that keep cattle out of the elements in the winter and in the shade in the summer. While these types of facilities have a higher construction cost, using them has proven to provide exceptional cattle performance year round.
Another close comparison without quite as much cost is a “Hoop Barn” system that allows similar comforts and consistencies in cattle performance. Some 
producers are taking advantage of composite systems by either starting cattle outside when the rations are cheaper and moving them into confinement on finishing rations, or by having open lot pens with a roof built over the feed bunks allowing cattle more protection from the elements.
Swine producers in South Dakota have had good results with being able to locate facilities in areas with minimal disturbance. Because of the rural nature of the state, facilities can find suitable locations with lots of crop ground available for manure application.
Modern technology and good old-fashioned management have proven to be a good combination when managing odor and fly problems in livestock feeding operations. By controlling the storage and placement of the manure, both odor and flies can be significantly reduced, minimizing nuisance to neighbors.
For more information on these topics, please check out these links:
- Beef Feedlot Systems Manual
- Controlling Flies
- Odor Control in Cattle Operations
- Odor Control in Swine Operations
& Range Sciences
Beef Quality Assurance
SD Animal Industry Board
NRCS Nutrient
Management
DENR Permits
Producer Groups
County Zoning
Livestock Markets
State Ag Statistics
Financial Assistance
SD Livestock Laws