Natural Resources

All Natural Resources Content

Variety of native grasses growing in a well-managed pasture.

Warm and Cool-Season Grasses

Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

Vast, well-managed rangeland property with a healthy variety or resources.

Why Grassland Management?

Grassland management involves more than simply moving livestock from one pasture to the next. Successful grassland managers are educated in grassland health and strive to improve their personal understanding of key grassland components.

Group of producers attending a grassland management workshop.

South Dakota Grassland Management Resources

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition provides educational opportunities for producers and agency personnel alike and has a wealth of informational tools available to share with others seeking assistance.

Introducing the South Dakota Grassland Coalition

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is a non-profit organization that seeks the voluntary improvement and protection of privately owned grasslands for the long-term needs of the resource and its various species.

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

SDSU Extension Announces Rangeland and Soils Day Results

June 14, 2021

The first place 4-H teams in each judging event from both contest locations will now advance to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May 2022.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Resources for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Producers often have difficulties locating fellow producers to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?

With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.

Two mosquitoes, the one on the left being darker in color and the one on the right having a white band on its extended mouthpart. The white band is indicated with a red circle drawn over the picture.

Will Mosquitos Be an Issue During This Summer?

Although it may seem like mosquitos won’t be an issue this year due to drought conditions, it is important to remember that they don’t require large bodies of water to reproduce. Mosquitos can utilize standing bodies of water, small puddles or even stagnant water in containers or old tires.

Producer and USDA Farm Service Agency agent reviewing forms on a desk.

Qualifying Livestock Forage Program Applications

As drought conditions worsen, livestock producers will find feed assistance from the Livestock Forage Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Learn how to qualify, apply and certify your application for assistance.