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A herd of sheep foraging on leafy spurge in a grassland.

Multi-Species Grazing as an Alternative to Pasture Spraying

Broadacre spraying of pastures is intended to reduce undesirable plants and increase grasses for livestock. This practice often results in unintended consequences, including damage and reduction of native forbs and reduced profitability. One approach to managing perceived “weedy” plants is incorporating different species of livestock into a grazing operation.

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.

a father and son inspecting a show goat in a competition.

Bringing Home Your 4-H Goat Project

Sales and transport is a stressful time for any animal. Reducing stress factors due to transitions start before the actual purchase of your new project. Managing proper nutrition and disease management are just a couple factors to help your project get off to a great start.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

Sheep Breeds

Everyone has heard the fairytale “Baa Baa Black Sheep Have You Any Wool?” but what about the double-coated California Red, the multi-colored Katahdin sheep with hair, or the East Friesian dairy ewe that produces over 1,100 pounds of milk a year? Sheep come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and all of them provide different functions and uses for producers. These can range from meat, wool, and milk production or a combination of characteristics.

A pile of sheep fleeces ready for sorting.

Considerations for Increasing Wool Value

The wool market continually rewards those who emphasize high-quality production. Efforts to increase wool clip value can be made through regular management practices and proper wool clip preparation at shearing.

Shooting sports instructors and participants training at an indoor range.
Apr 26

4-H State Shoot

SDSU Extension 4-H will host the 2024 4-H Sping State Shoot April 26–28 in locations throughout Pierre and Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

SDSU Extension Director Karla Trautman, 2021 Inductees Audrey and Art Kneen, SDSU Extension 4-H Youth Safety Field Specialist John Keimig and South Dakota 4-H Program Director Tim Tanner.

4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame Honorees

The 4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame was started in 2015. It was created to recognize those who played a role in bringing shooting sports to the South Dakota 4-H Program and those who have helped it to grow on the state and regional levels.