Skip to main content

Search

A rancher inspecting the water quality of a small stock pond.

How Do Sulfates in Water Affect Livestock Health?

Poor-quality water will cause an animal to drink less. As a result, they also consume less forage and feed, which leads to weight loss, decreased milk production and lower fertility.

An orange plastic hoop placed around a portion of tall grass on a range to provide a measurement.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

A screenshot of the ag land soil tables tool.

South Dakota Ag Land Soil Tables Tool

The Ag Land Soil Tables Tool allows users to view soil data and download data by county to further understand the soil rating system. It can help appraisers make baseline agricultural land assessments and determine if adjustments from baseline are needed.

A soybean root with several small white cysts growing on it.

Soybean Cyst Nematode in South Dakota: History, Biology, and Management

Factsheet about Soybean Cyst Nematode history, biology and management in South Dakota

A black angus cow walking through pasture being followed by two calves.

Lessons From Alternative Calving Workshops

Recently, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and SDSU Extension held workshops across the State focused on sharing information from experienced livestock producers who have switched to a calving date more in sync with nature.

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.

Dormant pasture in Tripp County with adequate residual cover.

Getting Ready for Winter on the Range

During periods of summer and fall drought, winter grazing opportunities may be limited or not available at all. Ranch managers must ensure that enough residual plant height and vegetation cover of the soil surface is available through the winter to aid in recovery of the rangeland.

A group of black Angus cows standing in spring pasture.

Detection of Standing Estrus in Cattle

Fact sheet to help with the detection of standing estrus in cattle. Available in English and Spanish.

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.

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.