Natural Resources
All Natural Resources Content
Hot Days Ahead and the Need for Water
Hot summer days are still ahead, and we need to account for water. The amount of water a cow requires varies depending on a variety of factors, including environmental temperature, lactation status and weight.
Rangeland and Soils Days set for June 2 in Murdo, Redfield
May 06, 2021
The event will focus solely on the Go-Getter (14-to-18-year-old) division. The Go-Getters will judge habitat suitability for cattle and grouse, in addition to plant identification and morphology.
Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs
With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.
SDSU Extension to Resume Drought Hour in May
April 29, 2021
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 95% of South Dakota is in some level of drought, including 19.42% that is classified as Extreme Drought (D3) in the north central region.
Be On the Lookout for Ticks
Ticks are one of the first pests to show up during spring. Learn some common ticks to watch out for in South Dakota, along with tips for preventing bites and removing ticks from your skin and clothing.
South Dakota 4-H Launches Outdoor OWLS Program
April 29, 2021
South Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota 4-H have unveiled a brand new, yearlong program for youth interested in outdoor education and natural resources.
Adaptive Management: One Strategy To Increase Your Operation’s Flexibility and Resiliency
Adaptive management is a strategy that livestock producers can use to manage year-to-year variability in forage production and build drought resiliency for their operations.
April 2021 Climate Update
As we look at March in the rear-view mirror, we look ahead to April and the potential for rain to return to South Dakota to reduce drought concerns across the state.
Options for Spring Turnout
Every year at green-up, grass managers must make decisions about when and where to begin grazing. Several options are available depending on pasture resources, stored feed resources and the ability to be flexible.
Water Conservation and Efficiency During Times of Drought
As drought conditions continue to expand across the state this year, more thought is given towards South Dakota’s limited water resources. We live in a state where weather conditions and rain patterns seem to comfortably exist at the extremes; we either have way too much or nearly not enough. While this isn’t always the case, it is important to keep in mind that our water resources are finite and all of us should be thinking about doing what we can to protect them.