Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

Group of producers observing beef cattle in a pasture.

Setting Stocking Rates With Flexibility in Mind: A decision framework for uncertain years

Setting stocking rates during years when moisture is unpredictable does not require perfect information. It requires a framework that protects both your land and your options.

Mesonet station overlooking drought-stressed pasture in Porcupine, South Dakota.

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.

Map of South Dakota of Northern Great Plains and the Western United States. Colors indicate the number of grasshoppers per square yard in each of the sampled locations. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

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.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.

Young absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge plants emerging.

Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow

Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.

section of brown pine trees damaged by pine beetles surrounded by green, healthy pine trees and rock formations

Pine Bark Beetle Meeting May 11 in Spearfish

May 04, 2026

SDSU Extension and USDA Forest Service staff will answer questions about pine bark beetles at a public meeting on May 11, 2026, at the Recreation Center multi-purpose room in Spearfish (122 Recreation Lane) from 6:30 to 8 p.m. MT.

A fishing boat in the middle of Oak Lake
Jul 09

Oak Lake Field Station Field Day

Attend the Oak Lake Field Station field day on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT at the Oak Lake Field Station (19862 483rd Ave., Astoria, SD 57213).

Beef cattle herd grazing a lush, green grassland.

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.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

This guide is for high school age students to prepare for range judging contests in South Dakota.

Ants on a sidewalk next to some green grass.

Ants Preparing for Another Busy Year

A wet growing season last year combined with a mild winter has boosted ant activity across the state, and we have already received numerous questions from both curious and concerned residents in South Dakota.