Search

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.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Black Grass Bugs May Cause Issues if Drought Persists

In western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring

In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.

A group of people stands in a green pasture

White River ‘Pasture Chat’ offers unique experience for women in agriculture

September 17, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension’s new “pasture chat” event provided a unique experience for women involved in agriculture in the White River region.

Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

Native Plant Resources for South Dakota

As we continue to see the benefits of growing native plants in cultivated landscapes, finding the right plant for the right place requires the right resources. Learn about some available native plant sources, educational materials, and organizations serving our region.

mixture of cover crops planted next to a corn field

Cover Crop Usage in South Dakota is on the Rise

The number of South Dakota producers who use cover crops has been increasing at an accelerating rate over the past ten years.

Introducing the South Dakota Grassland Coalition

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is a non-profit organization that seeks the voluntary improvement and protection of privately owned grasslands for the long-term needs of the resource and its various species.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.

Reed Canary Grass: Possible Prussic Acid & Alkaloid Issues

Prussic acid issues with reed canary grass are poorly understood and may go unrecognized if they occur. This article addresses a little-known but interesting aspect of the biology of reed canary grass.

Photo showing a wildfire recovery on native rangelands.

Range Roundup: Dormant Season Wildfire Project in Northwestern South Dakota

Two of the main environmental conditions that drive post-wildfire rangeland recovery include health of the rangeland ecosystem prior to the wildfire and climatic variables, such as precipitation or drought after the fire event.