������Ƶ

Innovative technology for range management will be the focus of the upcoming Cottonwood Field Station Field Day. All are invited to hear about the latest South ������Ƶ State University research on the topic on Friday, Aug. 15, from 9 a.m.-noon at 23738 Fairview Road, Philip. 

“Field day attendees will learn how SDSU research and extension efforts directly benefit our stakeholders,” Krista Ehlert, assistant professor and SDSU Extension range specialist, said. “From helping producers learn what technology to adopt to how technology can be used in specific scenarios like riparian restoration, we are thrilled to show people how we use the field station for our long-standing programs.” 

Today’s producers have an overwhelming number of options when it comes to technology that claims it will save them time, money or both. Experts from the SDSU College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and SDSU Extension have experimented with a number of different operation programs and will share how various technologies are being used at the field station, how the technology could be used by producers, and results of research conducted with the technology. 

More than just hearing about the options, researchers will present a live demonstration of a virtual fencing program, and attendees will be able to participate in a hands-on activity to experience the technology for themselves. 

“Virtual fencing has advanced considerably over the last few years, and SDSU is on the leading edge of testing the technology’s limits and understanding its strengths,” Jamie Brennan, assistant professor and SDSU Extension livestock grazing specialist, said. “We’re encouraged by the recent results we’ve seen and look forward to sharing them with producers.” 

Additional tech topics to be covered include: 

• Precision feeding
• In-pasture weigh scales
• Forage prediction tools
• Calf implants
• Technology for riparian restoration
• Cybersecurity guidelines 

Unique among the SDSU field stations, Cottonwood is the only one to focus entirely on range management. The station has two beef cattle herds, a 150-head Angus cow-calf herd that is summered in nearby Fort Meade (Sturgis) for research and outreach programs and an annually replaced 150-head yearling steer herd that contributes to the station’s more than 80-year stocking rate study. Updates on the stocking study and heifer development research will also be presented. 

Attendees of the field day will get a sneak peak of the new facilities coming online soon. New additions to the field station include a monoslope feeding facility and a multipurpose building with classroom and animal handling spaces. Everyone will be invited to end the morning with a scoop of SDSU ice cream. 

The Cottonwood Field Station is a South ������Ƶ Agricultural Experiment Station research station. This field day is the last of six hosted by the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences taking place across the state of South ������Ƶ this summer.