Key Takeaways:
- The South Dakota State University (SDSU) specialists offered three technology-focused learning sessions at the Cattlemen’s Education Series during the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association 2025 Convention and Trade Show.
- The sessions covered topics such as cybersecurity considerations in beef cattle production, electronic identification for enhancing livestock management, and virtual fencing for grazing.
- The specialists emphasized the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, using technology to enhance profitability and operational flexibility, and leveraging identification tags to improve herd data management.
- Virtual fencing was discussed as a potential tool for rangeland stewardship, with benefits including improved record-keeping and data management.
- SDSU has developed a cybersecurity and precision livestock technology trailer to provide hands-on learning opportunities for producers.
Introduction to Technology-Focused Learning Sessions
The South Dakota State University (SDSU) specialists recently offered three technology-focused learning sessions at the Cattlemen’s Education Series during the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association 2025 Convention and Trade Show in Deadwood. The sessions were designed to equip producers with a comprehensive understanding of the latest technologies and their applications in beef cattle production. The initial session, "Modern ranching: Where innovation meets tradition," was led by Jameson Brennan, SDSU Extension livestock grazing specialist, and focused on cybersecurity considerations within beef cattle production.
Cybersecurity Considerations in Beef Cattle Production
Brennan discussed strategies for using technology to potentially enhance profitability, address labor shortages, and increase operational flexibility. He also outlined how to protect operations from cyber threats, emphasizing that ranchers don’t have to be experts in technology to implement basic cyber practices to mitigate bad actors from gaining access to sensitive data and computer systems. Logan Vandermark, SDSU precision livestock technology specialist, also touched on the subject, highlighting the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, such as avoiding the use of the same password for multiple accounts.
Electronic Identification for Enhancing Livestock Management
The second presentation examined ways to use electronic identification (EID) for enhancing livestock management. Vandermark explained that the goal is to leverage identification tags to improve herd data management for operational decision-making. He provided examples of how EIDs can support basic digital decisions based on health monitoring and breeding, and how they can be integrated into existing systems. The discussion also highlighted the potential for EIDs to streamline vaccination and treatment records, making record-keeping a more automated process.
Virtual Fencing for Grazing
The last session, moderated by Krista Ehlert, SDSU Extension range specialist, focused on virtual fencing and the future of grazing. Producers, researchers, and non-governmental organizations joined Ehlert to share their perspectives on virtual fencing, discussing where it will fit well into operations and where it might not. Vandermark noted that virtual fencing could change how people manage livestock, and the group examined the practical applications of the system and the scientific principles underlying virtual fencing. The technology can serve as an effective tool for rangeland stewardship, with benefits including improved record-keeping and data management.
Practical Applications and Challenges of Virtual Fencing
The specialists emphasized that while technology can address certain management scenarios, it also opens up new challenges. Producers need to consider ways to protect operations from cyber threats and ensure that they are using technology in a way that is secure and efficient. The topic of virtual fencing has been popular among producers and non-governmental organizations in the state for several years, with many seeing promise in the technology due to its potential for adaptive management.
Hands-on Learning Opportunities
To provide additional opportunities for learning, SDSU has developed a cybersecurity and precision livestock technology trailer. The trailer features current tech equipment and offers producers a chance to examine some of the precision tools available. The trailer can be taken to ranches, conventions, and fairs, providing hands-on learning opportunities for producers. According to Vandermark, the trailer highlights some of the precision tools and what they can do, and provides informational handouts that folks can take home to study and learn more about these items.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the SDSU specialists’ technology-focused learning sessions provided valuable insights and information for producers on the latest technologies and their applications in beef cattle production. The sessions emphasized the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, using technology to enhance profitability and operational flexibility, and leveraging identification tags to improve herd data management. As the agriculture industry continues to evolve, it is essential for producers to stay informed about the latest technologies and their potential applications, and to consider the challenges and opportunities associated with technology integration.
