Grassland

All Grassland Content

A group of mixed cattle grazing in a pasture with several Canada Thistle plants spreading throughout.

Alternative Pasture Weed Control

The term ‘weed’ can be broadly applied to any plant that is undesirable at any given time and place based on certain criteria. It is important to understand that the word ‘weed’ has become a general term with no universal definition, and many plants are considered to be weeds, depending on location.

Pasture, Range, Grassland, Forage, Beef Cattle, Crop Management

A herd of cattle grazing a vast rangeland in west-river South Dakota.

Rotational Grazing Improves Stocking Capacity and Ranch Profitability

Livestock stocking rate is considered as one of the most important decisions that ranchers can make, as heavy stocking rate causes grassland degradation and adversely impact the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services.

Beef Cattle, Pasture, Range, Grassland

grass with field bindweed, a viny green weed with white flowers

Weed Control: Noxious Weeds

Noxious Weed Recommendations: Herbicides for pasture, range, and non-crop areas, including roadside and other right-of-way that may be harvested for hay or grazed, are given a priority.

Range, Grassland, Wildlife

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.

Range, Grassland, Pasture

two black beetles rolling a ball of dung

An identification guide to common Dung Beetles of South Dakota

A guide of common dung beetles of South Dakota.

Range, Grassland, Soil Health, Forage, Beef Cattle, Wildlife, Conservation, Pasture

a black tailed prairie dog resting on a mount

Prairie Dog Management in South Dakota

Prairie dogs are an important component of the grassland ecosystem. They feed on grasses and forbs, as well as seeds and some insects. They can consume large amounts of vegetation. This is a problem for livestock producers as they compete with livestock for forage.

Wildlife, Grassland, Range, Pasture

A patch of western wheatgrass with ergot fungus growing throughout.

Ergot in Western Wheatgrass and the Potential Effects for Winter Grazing

2019 has been a year fraught with challenges for ranchers across South Dakota. Abundant precipitation is usually a blessing, however, wet conditions coupled with a cool spring followed by warmer temperatures has caused another problem across the rangelands of South Dakota: ergot poisoning.

Pasture, Range, Forage, Grassland, Beef Cattle, Animal Health

Color-coded map showing the October precipitation outlook for the United States.

2019 October Climate Outlook and Missouri River Forecast

The chances of a wet October increased with the latest climate outlook update, released on September 30, 2019. In the first few days of the month, rain or snow has scattered across much of the state. There hasn’t been a heavy rain or snow event this month. The outlook shows odds leaning towards much of the same pattern in the weeks ahead.

Crop Management, Corn, Wheat, Soybean, Garden & Yard Issues, Soil Health, Forage, Grassland, Pasture, Trees, Beef Cattle, Dairy Cattle, Forest, Garden soil, Flood Resources for Agriculture

A herd of cattle grazing near a stock pond.

2019 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference to be Held Oct. 16 at South Dakota State University

October 01, 2019

The 2019 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held Oct. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the campus of South Dakota State University in the Volstorff Ballroom of the University Student Union.

Conservation, Grassland, Soil Health, Wildlife

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Fall Noxious Weed Control

September 30, 2019

Fall is the time to control tough perennial broadleaf lawn weeds. Good moisture in most places in August will have set up good fall growth of perennial weeds.

Forage, Range, Grassland, Pasture, Crop Management, Crop Treatments