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Two pastures separated by a fence. The right pasture is severely overgrazed, while the neighboring pasture has more cover, but has also developed an invasive weed problem.

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.

Mixed group of cattle in a winter pasture.

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.

Small group of cattle grazing a well-managed grassland area.

Cool-Season Grasses of South Dakota

Fact sheet about cool-season grasses in South Dakota.

Herd of mixed cattle grazing a fenced-in winter pasture.

Alternative Management Strategies for Culled Cows

Traditionally, keeping open females is not a popular option. However, variability in cull cow prices and feed costs may provide an opportunity to consider other options.

A heavily tilled field showing signs of severe topsoil loss due to erosion. Next to it, there is a no-till field with no noticeable signs of erosion.

Multiple Rounds of Severe Weather Bring Heavy Rainfall, High Winds, and Soil Erosion

A combination of tillage, no residue, and lack of crop canopy can lead to severe erosion and topsoil loss in the face of extreme weather patterns in the spring. The most effective strategy for producers to adapt to these extreme events is to improve soil health.

A rancher and RMA agent reviewing insurance paperwork beside a off-road vehicle.

Livestock Risk Protection for Cattle

Price rallies, general price volatility and concern that prices may move lower could lead producers to insure livestock prices. Livestock Risk Protection is an insurance program that covers the single-peril or risk of lower prices on fed cattle and feeder cattle.

A series of three creep feeders placed on an open range. Courtesy: Robin Webster (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Creep Feeding Options: Will it Pay?

Creep-feeding should be evaluated on yearly basis to determine if it will provide production and economic benefits to the operation.

A group of red angus cattle.

The Calving Distribution Calculator

Excel calculator for calving distribution

Screenshot of the SDSU Interactive Grain Report Tool.

Interactive Grain Report Tool

The SDSU Extension Interactive Grain Report Tool provides a real-time and historical grain situation report for corn, soybeans, hard red spring wheat, and winter wheat. The tool gathers data on average state elevator cash bids, export cash bids, rail and barge costs, grain stock levels, rail cars loaded by state with grain, grain barge movements, and marketing year export inspections.