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Variety of native plants growing in a healthy, well-managed grassland.

Partnerships Are Keys To Preventing Endangered Species Impacts

South Dakota’s farmers and ranchers have significant influence on the management of our state’s natural resources, especially grasslands and the species that inhabit them. These species remind us of the importance of natural resources management for the greater good.

Cattle outfitted with virtual fence collars on an open rangeland.

Range Roundup: Virtual Fencing Project Takes Place at the Cottonwood Field Station

Virtual fencing (borders without physical barriers) has started making waves in the cattle industry, and it can be used to implement precision grazing management. Our team is researching its use and utility at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station starting this summer.

a map of South Dakota showing the drought conditions

July Drought Hours to Address Livestock Nutrition, Crop Quality Concerns

July 15, 2021

More South Dakota acres are now in an extreme drought condition as lack of moisture and high temperatures continue to impact much of the state.

Smart to Lead SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program

July 06, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension has named Alexander “Sandy” Smart as the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader.

Group of mixed, brown cattle being moved into a feed yard.

Culling Decisions Due to Drought

Learn some key considerations for developing culling strategies that align with the goals and objectives of your operation when facing potential prolonged drought conditions.

Several young swine in a feeding facility.

Branched Chain Amino Acids Levels in Swine Diets Containing Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles

Incorporation of dried distillers grains with solubles in swine diets above 20% can negatively impact growth performance of pigs. An imbalance in the branched chain amino acids, specifically excess leucine, is one potential explanation of this decrease in performance.

From left: Meadow deathcamas in a South Dakota prairie rangeland. Silvery Lupine in a rangeland in South Dakota.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Deathcamas and Lupine

With prolonged drought conditions throughout many areas of South Dakota, there is an increase of invasive weeds and poisonous plants on rangelands. Identification of poisonous plants is crucial to ensure livestock production is not compromised.

Ranchers viewing USDA disaster assistance information on a computer in a home office.

Drought Assistance Questions Answered

Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

Field with livestock grazing with a crane and wind turbine in the background

Best Management Practices Guide for Restoration of Native Grasslands and Sensitive Sites Resulting from Energy or Industrial Development

A general guide to South Dakota landowners who are considering or who have allowed energy or other industrial development on their property.

Young woman sitting with a plate of salad in her hands.

Mindful Eating

The practice of mindful eating has been researched and proven as a tool to improve eating behavior, appetite regulation, weight loss, blood sugar control, heart health, binge eating, stress, and responding to hunger and satiety cues.