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Young calves with cattle herd in spring.

Selecting a Calving Season Based on Matching Nutritional Needs and Resources

Choosing the calving season is a complex and highly individual decision for each beef cattle producer. A primary consideration in pasture-based cow-calf operations is choosing a calving season that will best match the forage supply to forage demand.

a black tailed prairie dog resting on a mount

Prairie Dog Management in South Dakota

Fact sheet for the management of prairie dogs in South Dakota

Map of South Dakota showing divisional precipitation rankings. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2020 Climate Summary

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations’s National Center for Environmental Information, 2020 ranked as the 21st driest and the 18th warmest year for South Dakota.

Variety of grasses growing in rangeland with some showing signs of drought stress.

Options for Spring Turnout

Every year at green-up, grass managers must make decisions about when and where to begin grazing. Several options are available depending on pasture resources, stored feed resources and the ability to be flexible.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

X-Ray Scanning Confirms Soil Health Benefits from Conservation Practices

Summary report of X-ray scanning confirms soil health benefits from conservation practices.

Color-coded map of the United States showing the one-month temperature outlook for April 2021.

April 2021 Climate Update

As we look at March in the rear-view mirror, we look ahead to April and the potential for rain to return to South Dakota to reduce drought concerns across the state.

Cattle grazing drought-stressed rangeland in western South Dakota.

Adaptive Management: One Strategy To Increase Your Operation’s Flexibility and Resiliency

Adaptive management is a strategy that livestock producers can use to manage year-to-year variability in forage production and build drought resiliency for their operations.

a wordmark for the OWLS program

South Dakota 4-H Launches Outdoor OWLS Program

April 29, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension and South Dakota 4-H have unveiled a brand new, yearlong program for youth interested in outdoor education and natural resources.

fence post burnt by wild fire

Windy and Divide Fires

General guide to all South Dakota landowners who may be affected by unplanned fire events.

Four common South Dakota ticks: American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, blacklegged and Lonestar.

Be On the Lookout for Ticks

Ticks are one of the first pests to show up during spring. Learn some common ticks to watch out for in South Dakota, along with tips for preventing bites and removing ticks from your skin and clothing.