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Pasture Conditions
Pasture conditions need to be carefully considered when determining when to turn livestock out to pasture, especially during drier years. See some tips and tools to help make your operation's turn out season a success.
South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2026
Almost every year in South Dakota there is a risk that grasshopper populations will reach levels capable of causing issues for producers. Unfortunately, our prediction for the 2026 growing season won’t change the trend.
Diversifying Your Forage Base for Drought Flexibility
While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can offer producers added flexibility by spreading risk across species, planting windows, and rooting depths.
Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa
Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.
Building Resilient Farms Amid Increasing Weather Variability
Recent decades have brought a noticeable increase in climate variability in South Dakota. Understanding these trends and adopting adaptive management practices can help producers strengthen the resilience of their operations.
Managing Alfalfa Under Drought Stress
No one hopes for drought, but if the season should progress into a dry one, these are some considerations to make to ensure the best possible outcome for alfalfa crops.
Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?
As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.
Protecting Your Home and Landscape Against Wildfires
Wildfires pose a significant risk in western South Dakota, particularly within the Black Hills region, where periods of minimal precipitation can lead to drought conditions that elevate fire risk.
Weather and Climate Trends for South Dakota & Seasonal Outlook Cattle HQ Live
Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss temperature and precipitation trends for South Dakota and projections for the coming decades.
Winter Pasture Report: How Winter Moisture Shapes Spring Grazing Decisions
While many people are happy to welcome a mild winter devoid of typical South Dakota blizzards, a lack of moisture is concerning as we look ahead to spring.