SDSU Extension Strategies Boost South Dakota Dairies

{"ops":[{"insert":"South Dakota is listed among the 16 leading dairy states, contributing 13% (26.7 million pounds) of U.S. milk production (USDA, 2020). The dairy industry in South Dakota has more than doubled the number of milk cows since its historic low in 2004. In 2019, 4.2% (37,400) of the population in South Dakota were of Hispanic origin, and since 2000 this demographic group has nearly tripled (U.S. Census Bureau, 2019). This increase in milk cows in South Dakota and the surrounding region, creates a unique opportunity to produce high quality milk, dairy beef calves, and creates a vibrant work force opportunity. Resources and training across production, farm management, dairy beef production, and employee development are top priorities to meet these growing farm expectations.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"A team comprised of SDSU Extension field specialists and state specialists provided research-based information and resources to boost the health, production and profits of South Dakotas dairies. The team collaborates with stakeholders to provide essential certification trainings and as a member of the I-29 Moo University Collaboration, SDSU Extension connects South Dakotas producers with peers and industry experts across a five-state region. Farm Employee TrainingsTo reach Hispanic employees and farm managers, customized farm employee trainings were delivered to more than 16 farms in the region reaching approximately 500 employees and managers, representing over 68,000 cows. Additionally, a Spanish in-person seminar offered two days at Central Plains Dairy Expo reaching 50 Hispanic dairy farm participants each day from the I-29 region. SDSU Extension provided two Spanish in-person 1-hour sessions (World Dairy Expo-Madison, WI and National Mastitis Meeting - San Diego, CA) that were televised internationally covering employee motivation strategies for dairies and dry cow therapies. These two sessions reached 85 in-person attendees and immeasurable international attendees both live and watching recordings. South Dakota Needs Assessment ImplementedA needs assessment was distributed statewide in July 2022 to determine the education program and resource needs regarding common reproductive management practices on South Dakota dairies. Results from the survey represent 33,878 cows and show how the producers are using assisted reproductive technologies to improve the genetic gain and profitability of the dairy farms (89.5% use AI, 31.65% follow an in vitro embryo transfer and genetic testing practice in their reproductive program). Producers are asking for on-farm trainings (theorical and practical) to improve employee skills associated with a reduction in management and production issues on farm. This activity will direct future SDSU Extension efforts regarding reproductive management.I-29 Moo UniversitySDSU Extension along with its university extension collaborators from Minnesota, Iowa, and Nebraska created the I-29 Moo University. To reach dairy beef feeders, the I-29 Moo University conducts a 1-day Dairy Beef Short Course prior to the Central Plains Dairy Expo that has been a growing audience since 2016. Attendance in 2022 reached 87 participants from 7 states at the short course. Other I-29 Moo University activities reach dairymen and industry professionals through two Winter Workshops (59 participants), regular webinars (50+ live participants and 325 views), and a total of 18 podcasts, which have received 2,882 total downloads. I-29 Moo University efforts are highlighted in numerous radio interviews, and presentations at producer meetings.SDSU Dairy Science StudentsAnother unique opportunity for SDSU Extension is teaching SDSU dairy science students about the National Dairy FARM Animal Care program and animal handling. Three courses (Dairy Farm Operation and Management, Introduction to Dairy Science, and Physiology of Lactation) each received 50-minute seminars and 2-hr hands-on labs that focused on real-world best management practices for dairys animal well-being program (FARM AC); approximately 75 students were trained. These students represent the regions next generation of dairy farmers and industry professionals (90% are from dairy farms). Several of the regions co-op and processor representatives have commented positively about graduates having the FARM AC background and making them more desirable as hires.\n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"The SDSU Extension team developed resources and activities for the benefit of South Dakota and surrounding states dairy producers, employees, and allied industries. The resources are customized for English and Hispanic audiences depending on needs and goals (milker trainings, dairy beef short course, farm protocol trainings, and cow handling). They benefit from the resources and activities by increasing milk quality, overall profitability (decrease employee turnover and increase pounds of milk), and risk management. \n"}]}

{"ops":[{"insert":"Due to the research-based resources and educational activities developed by SDSU Extension, South Dakota dairies have boosted health, production and profits. South Dakota and the region benefit by having more profitable dairy farms with an engaged well-trained workforce to sustainably care for the cows while providing a steady supply of high-quality milk and dairy beef. Dairy manufacturing industry growth in Lake Norden and Milbank, South Dakota is a direct response to the increase supply chain leading to local, high paying job creation while meeting high-quality food demands of a growing U.S. population. \n"}]}

Agricultural Systems

Agricultural Systems

Smith-Lever (3b&c) Capacity Funds

None Selected

No

2023

Yes

Ann Schwader

ann.schwader@sdstate.edu

No

None Selected

South Dakota is listed among the 16 leading dairy states, contributing 13% (26.7 million pounds) of U.S. milk production (USDA, 2020). The dairy industry in South Dakota has more than doubled the number of milk cows since its historic low in 2004.