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Vast winter prairie on the Rosebud Reservation.

Climate Resilience Toolkit for the Northern Plains Region

In September 2021, the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit announced the publication of a new Northern Great Plains Region section. The new section can help producers recognize climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities and confront risks.

Field with extensive injury caused by fall armyworm caterpillars.

Fall Armyworm Caterpillars Causing Issues in South Dakota

This week we started to receive reports of pastures and alfalfa stands that have been heavily fed on by fall armyworm caterpillars. Typically, these pests are not an issue in South Dakota. However, populations have been very large in many states during 2021, and they have now moved into South Dakota.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

SDSU Extension Announces Rangeland and Soils Day Results

June 14, 2021

The first place 4-H teams in each judging event from both contest locations will now advance to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May 2022.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of July 27, north-central South Dakota is facing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A small portion of the southwest has adequate moisture.

Controlling Grasshoppers, Salvaging Drought Corn Kick Off August Drought Hours

August 04, 2021

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).

Paul O. Johnson making notes about a field of corn

SDSU Extension to Tackle Weed, Pest and Drought Inquiries at State Fair

August 23, 2021

To address drought concerns, as well as weed and pest inquiries, South Dakota State University Extension will feature two booth locations at the 2021 South Dakota State Fair Sept. 2-6 in Huron.

harvester chopping corn silage, depositing silage into green wagon.

Video Series Offers Tips on Harvesting Failed Crops as Forage

August 24, 2021

To help producers navigate through these issues, SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition have recently released a new video series, “Salvaging Drought Stressed Crops.”

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.

A herd of cattle grazing near a pond on an open range.

Ranch Drought Planning

Fact sheet with general drought planning tips from the range and natural resource perspective.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

38th Annual Rangeland and 17th Annual Soils Days Held in Murdo

August 16, 2022

SDSU Extension, along with the Jones County Conservation District and the South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), hosted the 38th Annual Rangeland and 17th Annual Soils Days June 14-15, 2022, in Murdo, South Dakota.

Muddy field with no residual forage exhibiting signs of extreme soil erosion.

Five Range Management Principles: #4 Residual Forage

Residual forage is the amount of green leaf left after a grazing event. Understanding its importance can help producers capitalize on the symbiotic relationship that occurs when soil health is front and center on rangelands.