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Black and white scan of Cottonwood Field Station soil map.

Range Roundup: Long-Term Grazing Records Can Guide Future Management

For nearly 80 years, researchers at the Cottonwood Field Station have monitored how different stocking rates have shaped plant communities. Today, these records are being compared with modern data to help us better understand how rangelands respond to long-term grazing management.

Two ranchers in a pasture reviewing a mangement plan.

The Importance of Math in the Art of Grazing

It might seem a bit silly to check in on your stocking rate calculations, but it is something that is undoubtedly worth your time, whether you’re a seasoned rancher or you’re still trying to get your feet under you.

Firefighters in yellow protective gear monitor a grass fire in an open pasture

SDSU Extension to co-host prescribed fire forum for private landowners

December 09, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension, Audubon Great Plains and partner organizations are hosting a first-of-its-kind event for private landowners in South Dakota interested in prescribed fire as a management tool.

Two pastures side-by-side. The left has minimal snow capture due to reduced plant residue. The right has ample snow capture throughout due to increased plant residue.

Winter Pasture Report: What’s your plan for spring?

Widespread drought conditions persist across the upper Great Plains into the beginning of 2025. During drought conditions, it is extremely important for producers to regularly assess precipitation and forage resources so they can manage livestock accordingly.

Cattle outfitted with virtual fence collars on an open rangeland.

Range Roundup: Virtual Fencing Project Takes Place at the Cottonwood Field Station

Virtual fencing (borders without physical barriers) has started making waves in the cattle industry, and it can be used to implement precision grazing management. Our team is researching its use and utility at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station starting this summer.

A patch of switchgrass growing at the edge of a field.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Planting Switchgrass on Marginal Lands

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, native, prairie grass that is often seeded on marginal lands in South Dakota. It has gained growing popularity over the past decade not only as a source of biofuel and feed, but also as a method to improve soil properties.

Healthy soil with ample organic matter throughout.

Why Is Carbon So Important to Agriculture and Society?

Carbon is not only vital to soil health—it’s the foundation of our long-term food security. Learn some incredible facts about the role carbon plays in our soil and environment.

Farmer standing in a no-till field.

Farming Practice Comparisons in South Dakota: A case study across the fence and implications for the future

This extension study intends to provide some new insights on the financial and carbon storage comparisons between neighboring farms using conventional farming versus conservation practices (mainly no-till and cover crops).

Color-coded map of the United States indicating July 2023 precipitation outlook. For a detailed description of this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

End of Summer 2023 Climate Outlook

A recent run of warm temperatures and dry conditions in South Dakota has accelerated drought concerns, but some good news lies ahead in the NOAA’s 2023 end of summer climate outlook.

A male and femail dung beetle rolling a ball of dung in a pasture. Courtesy: Beverly Skinner/USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Managing Livestock for Dung Beetles and Other Beneficial Species

South Dakota researchers have taken a closer look at the function of dung beetles in Eastern South Dakota over the last few years. This article summarizes findings related to management of livestock grazing and chemical pesticides in relation to dung beetle and insect community health.