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Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

Group of mixed cattle grazing drought-stressed pasture.

SDSU Extension Provides Drought Management Resources

June 08, 2022

The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to classify parts of South Dakota in some level of drought. SDSU Extension has a variety of tools and resources to assist producers with drought decision making.

Vast, rolling rangeland with spring plant growth.

Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth

Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production for livestock producers. Learn some key considerations to observing and mitigating the effects of this variability.

Color-coded map showing precent of normal forage production for South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Herd Inventory Centers on Feed Available

With drought conditions continuing across the state, livestock producers will be making hard decisions on livestock inventory numbers as pasture and feed availability become an even more significant factor.

Pete Bauman speaking during a controlled burn workshop.

SDSU Extension Field Specialist Named Wildlife Professional of the Year

May 25, 2022

Pete Bauman, SDSU Extension Natural Resources and Wildlife Field Specialist, received the Wildlife Professional of the Year award from the South Dakota Chapter of The Wildlife Society at its annual meeting held March 3, 2022.

United States Map showing precipitation outlook for June through August 2022. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2022 Summer Climate and Drought Outlook

On May 19, the NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their temperature and precipitation outlooks for June and the summer season ahead. See a full report of what to expect for the summer of 2022.

Salt-impacted field recovering, with active plant life growing throughout.

The Power of Living Roots

Learn how living roots improve soil structure and can be used as a tool to fix marginal lands with salty soil conditions.

Four photos showing a derecho approaching the SDSU campus in Brookings, South Dakota.

What is a derecho?

In the aftermath of the May 12, 2022 derecho that impacted eastern South Dakota, many are wondering what derechos are and what conditions can cause them.

A close up of prickly Russian thistle

Prickly Russian Thistle

Publications that provide introductory and expanded information on the notorious invasive plant, prickly Russian thistle.

Tilled field with signs of erosion along the field edge.

The Costs of Erosion: Topsoil’s Role in Food Security

The thin layer of topsoil covering our earth sustains almost all of the life we know. Learn some answers to common questions about protecting it from erosion.

Image showing locations of the five South Dakota reservoirs managed by the US BOR

Spring Storms Help Bureau of Reclamation Reservoirs in Northwestern South Dakota

While the moisture was needed, the systems were severe with blizzard conditions occurring from multi-day, strong-gusting winds across the area.