Forage
All Forage Content
Diversifying Your Forage Base for Drought Flexibility
While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can offer producers added flexibility by spreading risk across species, planting windows, and rooting depths.
Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa
Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.
Managing Alfalfa Under Drought Stress
No one hopes for drought, but if the season should progress into a dry one, these are some considerations to make to ensure the best possible outcome for alfalfa crops.
Alfalfa Variety Trial Results
Progress reports for alfalfa variety trials.
South Dakota Pest Management Guides
The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.
Matching Winter Forage Supply to Herd Needs
Most operations feed hay based on convenience rather than cow requirements. Feeding the same hay to all cattle throughout the winter may be simple and efficient, but it often leads to overspending, or underfeeding.
SDSU Extension welcomes new forage field specialist
February 10, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Kim Ricardo as a new Forage Field Specialist.
Let SDSU Extension know how alfalfa insects are affecting you
January 29, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging forage producers to participate in a survey about managing alfalfa insects.
Sorghum Trial Results
In 2025, sorghum trials were conducted in 2 locations in South Dakota.
Weed Control Field Test Data
Data books to use as a reference to select appropriate herbicide(s) for row crops