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Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

Hot Weather Challenges Beef Cattle

Hot weather conditions create challenges for grazing beef cattle.

a sprawling green plant with flowering yellow heads

Sweet Clover Poisoning

Hay that contains sweet clover can be an excellent feed as long as the dicoumarol level is known and feeding management is used to prevent poisoning.

Finding Females for the Cowherd

The type and kind of females chosen for your cowherd is an important decision that can have long-term implications and great impact on the economic viability of the operation.

Hay: Stop the Waste

In an effort to prevent increasing the winter feed bill, a new bale feeder design or feeding plan may need to be developed and put into action in order to manage hay waste this winter.

open rangeland with smooth bromegrass growing throughout

Smooth Bromegrass Grazing Management

Smooth bromegrass is a cool-season introduced grass with an advanced root system that tolerates temperature extremes and drought exceptionally well.

sign outside park office with fire danger level listed as "very high"

Campfire Safety in Drought Conditions

During fire season, open fires may be prohibited or otherwise restricted by the regulatory agency in charge of the campground or facility that you are visiting.

Limited Forage: What Are Some Alternatives?

Research has shown that a variety of feedstuffs can be utilized to meet the cows’ nutrient requirements with similar performance to hay or hay plus supplement ration.

bottom part of a corn plant in soil with half of the roots exposed to show the seed trench (side-wall) compaction.

It is evident that there are high chances of planting into wet soils this spring. This is not a good decision when normal soil conditions appear to be attainable, but this year we may not have a choice.

Septic Systems and Flooding

Septic systems may not always be a homeowner’s first concern during a flood. However, as South Dakotans continue to navigate an exceptionally wet spring, some consideration should be given to your septic system to prevent damage to your home and protect your family’s health.