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A picture of producers (ranchers) in a rangeland pasture looking into another pasture that has different forage biomass quantities. The

Systems Thinking for Agriculture: A tool for addressing complex ranch problems

A systems approach to management encourages producers to take multiple factors into consideration to solve problems within their agricultural operation.

An expert stands in front of a corn field and speaks to attendees of a field day

SDSU Extension co-hosting virtual Forage Field Day

August 02, 2024

Forage Field Day brings together experts, producers, and industry professionals to provide panel discussions and presentations on forage-related topics. Originally scheduled to be held in Concord, Nebraska, event organizers moved to a virtual-only event to accommodate a wider audience.

small group of sheep standing in a pasture

Sheep & Goats

South Dakota ranks sixth nationally in sheep and wool production. And the industry is growing.

several white wind turbines towering above agricultural production land

4-H Energy for Farm, Home & Transportation Project

Energy is a property that allows objects to move, affect others, or change temperature. There are various forms of energy including electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, or nuclear. Energy can be transformed from one form of energy to another but it is never lost.

Group of people attending a rangeland workshop.

South Dakota Natural Resource Professionals Range Camp Registration Now Open

April 26, 2022

SDSU Extension, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is hosting a three-day range camp June 28-30 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Former cropland replanted with a variety of grasses and broadleaf plants.

Replanting Cropland Back to Grassland

Planting cropland back to grassland takes some planning regarding previous herbicide use, soil fertility and seed bed preparation. The first step is to identify what resources are currently available to help you reach your objectives and what problems may need to be addressed.

Group of black cattle near a stock dam that’s drying up under drought conditions.

Drought Planning

A drought plan will be an essential component to your overall grazing plan, as it provides guidance in making decisions during critical times when forage may be lacking.

Rancher surveying pasture in an offroad vehicle.

Use Caution When Fall Spraying Noxious Weeds in Pastures To Avoid Harming Desirable Plants

Noxious weed control is often a long-term process. In some cases, chemical application may be deemed necessary, but it should always be considered in the context of appropriate management and an integrated best management framework.

Group of angus cattle grazing winter pasture.

Rotational Grazing During Winter

Winter feed represents one of the largest costs for a livestock production enterprise. Grazing pasture that has been stockpiled for winter use is a rational alternative to limit costs resulting from both harvest and feeding of hay.

Group of mixed calves in a feedlot.

Calf Value Discovery Program

The Calf Value Discovery Program enables cow-calf producers to assess the value of their cattle in value-based marketing systems and gain valuable carcass and feedlot performance information to aid in management decisions and improve profitability.