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Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Mixed group of cattle in a winter pasture.

Ready, Set, Manage Hay Differently

Feed is expensive and sometimes hard to find. Pasture prices, harvest expenses, hauling and waste add to the total feed bill. Evaluate your forage situation this winter and make changes that improve your profitability.

NOAA climate map with preciptation outlook as of July 12, 2020. Most of South Dakota is predicted to have average to above average precipitation.

Late Summer 2020 Climate Outlook

Drought concerns in South Dakota may be relieved later this summer, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook released this week.

Group of farmers and ranchers attending a drought meeting.

SDSU Extension to Host Drought Management Meetings

April 29, 2022

SDSU Extension will host drought management meetings across South Dakota May 10-12.

Newborn black angus calf with mother cow.

Beef: Best Management Practices for Cow-Calf Production

This comprehensive book provides producers with insight and education into the latest beef management, handling practices and technology.

several medium-size cedar trees growing along a fence

Woody Weeds: Eastern Red Cedar

While eastern red cedar (Juniperus virginiana) is native to South Dakota, and has many positive qualities, it has become a problem species over large areas of the Great Plains.

Effects of Different Cereal Rye and Winter Camelina Seeding Rates on Biomass Production and Soil Properties When Broadcast Seeded

Benefits to soil health generally increase as cover crop biomass production increases. Recent research sought to determine how the seeding rate of two cover crop species and mixtures affected biomass production and some soil health indicators.