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Herd Inventory Centers on Feed Available
With drought conditions continuing across the state, livestock producers will be making hard decisions on livestock inventory numbers as pasture and feed availability become an even more significant factor.
Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth
Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production for livestock producers. Learn some key considerations to observing and mitigating the effects of this variability.
Range Beef Cow Research: Rangeland Soil Health
For rangelands to maintain productivity and produce adequate levels of forage, soil health must be sustained and function properly.
Five Range Management Principles: #1 Adaptive Management
Adaptive management is a process that livestock producers can incorporate into their operation to increase operation flexibility and adjust to changing conditions.
Five Range Management Principles: #2 Creating a Grazing Plan
Creating a grazing management plan can be overwhelming. Learn the basic steps for outlining a plan, along with several resources to help identify the right strategy for your operation.
Reading the Range: Range readiness, grazing timing and drought considerations
Grazing timing is key when managing rangelands during a drought. Learn how to determine grazing readiness for different plant communities found throughout pastures and rangelands.
South Dakota Grazing Readiness Spring Turnout Map
The South Dakota Grazing Readiness Map uses historical climate data to provide livestock producers with a range of spring turnout dates for their location based on grass type.
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.
Ready, Set, Manage Hay Differently
Feed is expensive and sometimes hard to find. Pasture prices, harvest expenses, hauling and waste add to the total feed bill. Evaluate your forage situation this winter and make changes that improve your profitability.
Cool-Season Grasses of South Dakota
Fact sheet about cool-season grasses in South Dakota.