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South Dakota Soil and Water Conservation Society to host “Connecting Farm to Future” Virtual Conference

December 02, 2020

The South Dakota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), will host a free virtual conference.

Example Cold Advisory for Newborn Livestock (CANL) Map.

Using Weather Forecasts for Extreme Cold Risk to Newborn Livestock

Calving and lambing during a winter season with extreme weather swings can be concerning when caring for newborn livestock. The Cold Advisory for Newborn Livestock (CANL) forecast can be a useful tool for producers when preparing for newborn animals.

Cattle feeding on supplemental forage distributed on winter range.

Winter Cow Supplementation and Cold Stress

Extreme winter weather makes it challenging to meet a cow’s nutrient requirements. With below-normal temperatures come challenges of ensuring adequate nutrition and protection for livestock, including being prepared to provide additional feed and shelter.

A yearling heifer grazes on Canada thistle after a mid-October snowfall.

Plan Now to Control Weeds With Grazing Next Season

Livestock will graze Canada goldenrod, Canada thistle and perennial sow thistle. At certain times of the year, these plants have crude protein, total digestible nutrients, and invitro dry matter digestibility concentrations similar to alfalfa and other common forages.

Female FSA employee reviewing paperwork with a male producer.

Counties Designated as Disaster Areas and Qualify for Other Programs

Five South Dakota counties have been given disaster declarations due to dry summer conditions. This declaration gives producers in these counties and those in contiguous counties access to USDA-FSA emergency loans.

Four common South Dakota ticks: American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, blacklegged and Lonestar.

Be On the Lookout for Ticks

Ticks are one of the first pests to show up during spring. Learn some common ticks to watch out for in South Dakota, along with tips for preventing bites and removing ticks from your skin and clothing.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of April 29, Northwest South Dakota is facing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions.

SDSU Extension to Resume Drought Hour in May

April 29, 2021

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 95% of South Dakota is in some level of drought, including 19.42% that is classified as Extreme Drought (D3) in the north central region.

A small black bug with tan margins on the wings. This insect is resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Crop Tolerance to Soil Herbicide Residual

Some herbicides can persist in soil, especially dry soil. Herbicide carryover could be an issue in 2021 across the state depending upon last year’s moisture levels and field conditions.