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a map showing the precipitation outlook for June 2020

Summer 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

August 12, 2020

With alternating cool and warm weather patterns throughout the last few months and the summer season ahead, temperature continues to be a challenge for climate forecasters in South Dakota.

Small group of cattle eating plants near a fenceline

Cows Eat Weeds

By utilizing grazing as a means of cultural control, producers have the potential to decrease input expenses while reaping the benefits of inexpensive weed control through animal nutrition.

hands holding a 4-H coin and a gps navigational device

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)

STEM programing supports youth in developing a variety of skills including critical thinking, team work and communication.

Oat leaf with water-soaked, brown longitudinal lesions on the top-half of the leaf blade.

Bacterial Blight Developing in Oats

Oats scouted in a few fields in the Eastern and South Central parts of the state were found with bacterial blight developing on the lower leaves. Plants infected have leaves with water-soaked brown longitudinal lesions in the top-half of the leaf. Severe symptoms can lead to premature leaf death.

A small herd of cattle gathered around a pond on an open range.

Financial Considerations With Livestock Grazing Distribution

With spring turnout to grass here for some ranchers and just around the corner for others, proper livestock grazing distribution is a key aspect of a comprehensive grazing management plan.

bread and butter pickles in a jar in front of a tray of baked rolls. Courtesy: jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0)

Bread-and-Butter Pickles

Try this research-tested recipe for bread-and-butter pickles courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Field pennycress

Toxic Plants in Dormant Pasture and Hay: Field Pennycress

Toxic plants negatively impact livestock by decreasing reproductive performance (breeding and calving rate), reducing weight gains, and causing animal health issues and death. Assessing and treating animals experiencing toxicity may increase operation costs through either veterinary intervention or death loss.

A small herd of cattle grazing a hilly pasture in early fall.

Barriers To Rotational Grazing: Perceptions From Ranchers in the Dakotas

Despite the potential benefits of rotational grazing, its adoption rate has stagnated in recent years. To help understand major barriers faced by producers towards rotational grazing, we conducted a survey among ranchers in the U.S. Great Plains.

A woman holding a frozen pork cut next to an open freezer.

Pork Carcass Fabrication: Packaging and Meat Safety

This article is intended to provide guidance on the proper techniques for packaging meat and storing meat at home.

a dad and mom with three children and a yellow lab walking through short grass

Wellness

Our programs are designed to improve the quality of life for individuals and families, and the communities in which they live, work, and play.