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Satellite image of a well-planned prescribed burn unit.

Utilize Targeted Grazing for Firebreaks

Targeted grazing incorporated into an overall rotational grazing plan can be an excellent strategy to reduce an area's available fuel load and create a soft, or green, firebreak.

Producers surveying a rangeland site.

Five Range Management Principles: #1 Adaptive Management

Adaptive management is a process that livestock producers can incorporate into their operation to increase operation flexibility and adjust to changing conditions.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

Guide for judging South Dakota rangelands for livestock and wildlife values

Image of 2-digit HUC boundaries in continental United States. For a complete description of this graphic, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

What is a Hydrologic Unit Code (HUC)?

HUC is the acronym for Hydrologic Unit Code. It is a hierarchical land area classification system that is based on surface hydrologic features in a standard, uniform geographical framework.

black-colored snow in a ditch

“Snirt” and How To Minimize It

Blowing soils, dust storms and “snirt” (snow with dirt on it) are frequent challenges during dry, windy winters. Learn some soil health principles to limit erosion and minimize snirt on field edges this planting season.

Color-coded map of the United States showing precipitation outlook for April to June 2022.

Drought Concerns Continue With 2022 Spring Climate Outlook

March 23, 2022

The climate outlook for spring 2022 has increased concern for drought in South Dakota, with the March 17 U.S. Drought Monitor showing two-thirds of the state in either moderate or severe drought.

Cattle grazing rangeland divided by a fence for rotational grazing.

Reading the Range: Range readiness, grazing timing and drought considerations

Grazing timing is key when managing rangelands during a drought. Learn how to determine grazing readiness for different plant communities found throughout pastures and rangelands.

Color-coded map showing average grazing readiness date for Western Wheatgrass in South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grazing Readiness Spring Turnout Map

The South Dakota Grazing Readiness Map uses historical climate data to provide livestock producers with a range of spring turnout dates for their location based on grass type.

Two pastures separated by a fence. The right pasture is severely overgrazed, while the neighboring pasture has more cover, but has also developed an invasive weed problem.

The Lasting Effects of Overgrazing on Rangeland Ecosystems

Overgrazing can cause various detrimental effects on rangeland ecosystems. Most of the effects are seen in the short term, but some are unseen and can be lasting.

a prescribed burning taking place in a field

SDSU Extension to Offer Landowner Prescribed Fire Workshops

April 26, 2022

SDSU Extension, in partnership with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, and others will host a prescribed fire workshop tailored to private landowners June 2-3 at the SDSU Oak Lake Field Station in Astoria.