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Lone sheep grazing drought-stressed rangeland.

Drought Considerations for Grazing Range Flocks

Having a drought plan in place to best manage pastures is critical in being prepared for next year’s grazing season. Make decisions that will manage risk and promote both flock and financial longevity.

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.

Young, female rancher observing beef cattle in a pen.

SDSU, NDSU Extension to Host Inspired by Annie’s Project ‘Meat Marketing 101’

July 13, 2022

Industry specialists from both South Dakota and North Dakota will discuss topics, such as consumer preferences, marketing plans, processing and product distribution.

Small group of cattle grazing near a sorghum field at sunset.

Prussic Acid Precautions

During periods of drought, it is important to aware of the factors that can be a concern during these conditions, specifically nitrates and prussic acid. It is important to take precautions when using feeds that could contain one or both compounds.

Group of black angus calves in a pen under summer heat.

Vaccinating Early-Weaned Beef Calves

In most years, pre-weaning vaccinations are a task completed in early fall. However, in dry years, poor pasture conditions forcing producers to wean calves early may push up that timeline.

Three poisonous rangeland plants. From left: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur

Several species of poisonous plants are invasive and can easily establish dense stands when there is a disturbance on rangelands. Hemlocks, halogeton and buffalo bur can all be found throughout South Dakota and are toxic to livestock.

Two black cattle being isolated in a pen.

Cull Cows and Trichomoniasis

With increasing amounts of cows being sold at the sale barn with reproductive years left, there are some precautions to be aware of prior to bringing females home to re-breed.

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).

Black and red feedlot cattle eat corn silage from a feed bunk in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions - Forage Nitrate Toxicity in Ruminant Livestock

A fact sheet to address frequently asked questions about forage nitrate toxicity in ruminant livestock.

Low larkspur and twogrooved poisonvetch plants growing in rangeland.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Larkspur and Poisonvetch

Larkspurs are the second leading cause for all livestock deaths from toxic plant poisoning. Poisonvetches are considered accumulator plants that uptake excessive levels of selenium and cause toxicity problems in cattle.