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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.

A tiger swallowtail drinking nectar from a purple blazing star flower.

Five Range Management Principles: #3 Ecosystem Biodiversity

Milkweed can help make rangelands a better environment for both cattle and neighboring plants and animals by having a shielding effect on companion plants, preventing erosion and accelerating the decomposition process, whole also providing nectar, habitat and organic material for ecosystem services.

South-facing view of a dry, rolling field at the Oacoma station.

SDSU Extension to host 2023 South Dakota Climate Summit

July 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host a South Dakota Climate Summit on Aug. 1-2, 2023, at the Arrowwood Resort in Oacoma, South Dakota.

Members of the Burke County Fire Department assisting with a prescribed burn.

Why Should Fire Departments Help With Prescribed Burns?

From establishing fuel breaks that can contain future wildfires to providing valuable training for fire department volunteers, learn some of the many benefits of involving your local fire department in a prescribed burn.

Small group of cattle grazing a vast, well-managed rangeland.

Holistic Ranch Management Helps With Economic and Climate Resilience

Holistic ranch management offers ways to think about ranching as part of a diverse ecological system. Learn how two South Dakota operations have leveraged it to generate multiple income streams from shared resources.

Group photo of the 2025 South Dakota 4-H National Shooting Sports Team.

Shooting Sports National Championships

The 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships are held yearly in Grand Island, Nebraska. View results, recognition and photos from the South Dakota 4-H National Shooting Sports Team.

Group photo of 2023 South Dakota 4-H National Shooting Sports Team.

South Dakota team places third at 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

August 02, 2023

South Dakota youth had a strong showing at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships, including third place for the team sweepstakes award.

South Dakota State University Extension logo

SDSU Extension 4-H awards 2023 scholarships

August 03, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the sixteen recipients of 4-H state-level scholarships.

Bird's eye view of Dakotafest

SDSU Extension booth at 2023 Dakotafest to feature livestock, soil and range experts

August 07, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension experts will be at the 2023 Dakotafest to provide information on a range of agricultural and economic issues, from the use of prescribed fire to livestock to weed and soil management.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

SDSU Extension offers workshop on riparian restoration on Sept. 5 in Newell

August 09, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is partnering with The Nature Conservancy to offer a free, one-day workshop on riparian restoration.