Grassland
All Grassland Content
You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping
Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.
Red Fescue (Festuca rubra), A New Grass in the Black Hills: Friend or Foe?
Red fescue (Festuca rubra), a cool-season, dominate rhizomatous grass, has started showing up on disturbed ground near meadows and forests. While it is not a state noxious weed yet, its spread has raised questions from producers.
Keep Your Pastures Guessing: Why predictable grazing is costing you
Your cattle don't care which pasture they're in. Your pastures, on the other hand, care enormously. Give them something to work with, and keep them guessing.
Setting Stocking Rates With Flexibility in Mind: A decision framework for uncertain years
Setting stocking rates during years when moisture is unpredictable does not require perfect information. It requires a framework that protects both your land and your options.
South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2026
Almost every year in South Dakota there is a risk that grasshopper populations will reach levels capable of causing issues for producers. Unfortunately, our prediction for the 2026 growing season won’t change the trend.
Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs
Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.
Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow
Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.
Natural Resources & Conservation
South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.
Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values
This guide is for high school age students to prepare for range judging contests in South Dakota.
Getting Started With Bison Ranching
While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.