South Dakota State University Extension hosted its first Precision Livestock Field School from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2023, at the Cottonwood Field Station near Philip, South Dakota.
Thirteen people attended the three-day event, which brought people from as far away as Sardinia, Italy. Speakers included professors, industry professionals and SDSU faculty and staff.
SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field Specialist Logan Vandermark said the program focused on educating participants, primarily graduate students, on implementing precision technologies and analyzing data for meaningful results.
“We wanted to take the initiative to train the next generation of students and researchers,” Vandermark said. “This training is critical to fully realize the potential benefits of these technologies with students who know both practical livestock production and cutting-edge tools.”
A part of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU, Cottonwood Field Station incorporates precision livestock agriculture into its research. The first day of the Precision Livestock Field School started with a tour of the Cottonwood station, followed by presentations from experts in precision livestock technologies and hands-on experiences.
Precision ranching technologies have the potential to provide data to help producers make decisions that may impact profit margins, ranch sustainability and natural resource management.
Students were trained in the technologies currently implemented at the Cottonwood Field Station, including virtual fencing, precision feeding and weighing systems, and precision watering systems.
“Some students have already been to research conferences where these technologies are being discussed, but they’ve never actually seen it in person,” Vandermark said. “They enjoyed the opportunity to get their hands on the equipment.”
Source: sdstate.edu
Photo Credit: SDSU Extension
Categories: South Dakota, Education