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A man in a yellow shirt kneels in a pasture with a group of youth and teenagers standing in a circle around him

A Guide to South Dakota's Rangeland and Soil Days

Fact sheet to provide an overview of the South Dakota Rangeland and Soil Days program. This also includes detailed guidelines and contest information.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

Connecting Nutrition and Conservation: The Importance of CPS 592

Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) 592 is a practical feed management framework that helps producers move toward greater profitability, accountability, and sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Water flowing from a drain tile pipe.

Nutrient Loss Calculator

Trying to figure out the nutrient loss in your tile drainage system? The Nutrient Loss Calculator can help. This useful tool helps landowners collect a snapshot of nutrient loss in their drainage systems.

Group of youth walking through a field
Jun 09 - 10

Rangeland and Soil Days

Rangeland and Soil Days will take place June 9-10, 2026, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall (512 6th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717).

Ants on a sidewalk next to some green grass.

Ants Preparing for Another Busy Year

A wet growing season last year combined with a mild winter has boosted ant activity across the state, and we have already received numerous questions from both curious and concerned residents in South Dakota.

A home with ample defensible space throughout the property.

Protecting Your Home and Landscape Against Wildfires

Wildfires pose a significant risk in western South Dakota, particularly within the Black Hills region, where periods of minimal precipitation can lead to drought conditions that elevate fire risk.

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

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

This guide is for high school age students to prepare for range judging contests in South Dakota.

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.

Beef cattle herd grazing a lush, green grassland.

Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?

As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.

A fishing boat in the middle of Oak Lake
Jul 09

Oak Lake Field Station Field Day

Attend the Oak Lake Field Station field day on Thursday, July 9, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT at the Oak Lake Field Station (19862 483rd Ave., Astoria, SD 57213).