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Ranchers viewing USDA disaster assistance information on a computer in a home office.

Drought Assistance Questions Answered

Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

Two producers and a conservation agent moving cattle in a grassland area.

Drought Assistance From USDA: CRP Haying and Grazing

As this year’s drought intensifies, folks are quickly running short of forage. Due to the D2 Drought Monitor classification, most South Dakota counties qualify for Conservation Reserve Program haying and grazing for emergency and non-emergency use.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

SDSU Extension Kicks Off SDSGA Fourth Annual Premium Yearling Ewe Sale

November 22, 2021

More than 45 sheep producers from across the region attended the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Fourth Annual Premium Yearling Ewe Sale in July.

Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!

Two white, newborn lambs under a red heat lamp in a barn.

Sheep Facilities and Moisture

Fact sheet for keeping a barn comfortable and dry to increase lamb survival.

Several red angus cattle feeding at a feed bunk.

Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations training to be held March 29

March 06, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension, the South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service are offering an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on March 29 at the Crossroads Convention Center, 100 Fourth St. S.W., in Huron.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

All American Sheep Day showcases sheep industry during Black Hills Stock Show

January 27, 2023

To showcase South Dakota’s long history and continuing tradition of sheep production, SDSU Extension, the Black Hills Stock Show and sheep industry partners will again host All American Sheep Day on Jan. 30 at the James Kjerstad Event Center at the Central States Fairgrounds in Rapid City.

Flock of white sheep in drought-stressed pasture.

Two Master Lamb Producers Recognized at 2022 South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Conference

October 28, 2022

The South Dakota Master Lamb Producers Association recognized sheep producers from Alexandria, South Dakota, and Wessington Springs, South Dakota, during this year’s South Dakota Sheep Growers Annual Convention.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.