Skip to main content

Search

A tiger swallowtail drinking nectar from a purple blazing star flower.

Five Range Management Principles: #3 Ecosystem Biodiversity

Milkweed can help make rangelands a better environment for both cattle and neighboring plants and animals by having a shielding effect on companion plants, preventing erosion and accelerating the decomposition process, whole also providing nectar, habitat and organic material for ecosystem services.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

An Introduction to Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

Introduction of salt-impacted soils in South Dakota for landowners.

Revegetation of Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

This publication provides suggested native species suitable for the revegetation of salt-impacted soils. The suggested species are listed as native to South Dakota according to the USDA NRCS Plants Database.

Variety of South Dakota native plants.

Range Roundup: SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative

The SDSU Native Plant Initiative aims to improve our understanding of South Dakota’s native plants, including which ones are best-suited for restoration and production. This information will help guide stakeholders in matching native species to desired restoration outcomes.

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

A Quick Start Guide to Selling Native Seeds

Guide that details what you need to know to sell seeds of native flowering plants (forbs) in South Dakota.

Field with field peas and blue sky with fluffy white clouds

Weed Control: Pulse Crops

Weed competition can cause significant yield reduction in pulse crops. Pulse crops are weak competitors with weeds, therefore planning an effective weed control program is one of the keys to profitable production.

a group of youth in a grassy pasture

Range and Soil Judging

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with local conservation districts, the natural resources conservation service, and the South Dakota Society for Range Management to facilitate the annual Rangeland and Soil Days event for youth.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

SDSU Extension invites youth to 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days

March 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites youth interested in learning more about grasslands and soil health to the 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days in Belle Fourche.

Collection of hands-on learning materials arranged on a table.

Aquatic Invasive Species Education and Outreach in South Dakota

A variety of public resources are being devoted to aquatic invasive species outreach to increase our understanding of the potential harm they can cause. These resources aim to improve our understanding of the potential vectors and pathways by which people can spread them.

Herd of bison behind a fencline in a pasture.

Getting Started With Bison Ranching

While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.