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Drought: Livestock

All Drought: Livestock Content

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of Aug. 31, Northwest and North Central South Dakota arefacing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A Small portion of the northeast has adequate moisture.

September Drought Hour Examines Cover Crops, System Strategies

September 08, 2021

While portions of South Dakota saw some reprieve from the drought last week, the climate outlook for September through November is leaning towards drier than average conditions and warmer than average temperatures.

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.

Rolling, drought-stressed pasture with new, green growth emerging in early fall.

Be Careful Grazing the Green this Fall

With fall grazing on the horizon, nearly all of South Dakota is still experiencing drought conditions. Regardless of where your ranch is located, a rancher must be very careful when grazing the fall green-up of cool-season grasses.

Hand examining drought-stressed soybeans in the field.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Soybeans as Feed

One of the more popular questions we’ve been receiving lately involves using soybeans as forage. Although the soybeans planted for grain are not typically bred for forage use, we can salvage the crop for said forage if need be.

Color-coded map of the United States indicating precipitation probability for September through November 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions in the three-month fall season.

Fall 2021 Climate and Drought Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seasonal Climate Outlook, released Aug. 19, 2021, projects drought conditions to continue through the fall season.

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.”

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.

tractor near pile of harvested silage

Salvaging for Silage: Tips to Minimize Loss, Maximize Value

August 09, 2021

With South Dakota rangeland and pastures rated 84% poor to very poor across the state, many cattle producers may be thinking about putting up silage for a feed source.

Mother cow with calf in a dry, drought-stressed rangeland.

SDSU Extension to Provide Drought Resources, Water and Forage Testing at Dakotafest

August 05, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension invites crop and livestock producers to its new booth location, #216, at the 2021 Dakotafest in Mitchell, South Dakota.

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).