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A photo of a winter grazing pasture with a variety of grasses, shrubs and forbs that was taken at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station that contains some field pennycress.

2025 Field Pennycress Management Considerations

Field pennycress prevalence on pastures has been observed to be in higher abundance this year in Western South Dakota. When consumed in certain quantities it can be toxic to livestock.

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.

Bergamot flower in a field being pollinated by a honey bee

Managing Forests for Pollinators

Fact sheet on the importance of managing Black Hills forests for pollinators.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

SDSU Extension co-hosting regional water, drainage forum

August 08, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the 2025 Tri-State Drainage Research Forum on Sept. 9-10 at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands

Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Club Guidebook

Guidebook for SDSU Extension Master Gardener Clubs

A black cow grazing on a public grassland.

Grazing and Recreation on South Dakota School and Public Lands

Ryan Brunner, Commissioner of State School and Public Lands, shares some excellent information for those interested in understanding more about grazing and hunting on South Dakota school and public lands.

Watershed Academy attendees discussing riparian area management in the countryside on a bridge over a waterway.

The Importance of Riparian Areas

Riparian areas occur along streams, rivers, wetlands, lakes, and shorelines and can be considered the last line of defense before pollutants enter a body of water. Learn about the many benefits these areas offer and the programs available to support their conservation.

A plot of soil with large cracks developing throughout.

Fall Tillage: Please Don’t Think About It

Conducting fall tillage results in lost topsoil, soil nutrients, and soil moisture. This ultimately leads to reduced soil productivity and profitability. An easy way to conserve topsoil and water resources is to skip fall tillage.

A green pasture and trees with a stream in the background

The Mortenson Ranch Story: Balancing Environment and Economics

The Mortenson Ranch Story is a remarkable account of the restoration of a western South Dakota landscape devastated early in the 20th century by homesteading and drought.