Grassland

All Grassland Content

Map of South Dakota with green (zero to three grasshoppers), orange (four to seven grasshoppers), and red (8 or more grasshoppers) dots indicating grasshopper populations that were sampled in 2021. The north central region, west of the Missouri River, has the highest concentration of red and orange dots.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2022

Data from the 2021 USDA Adult Grasshopper Survey of South Dakota suggests that grasshopper populations may continue to be problem in parts of central and western South Dakota during the spring of 2022.

Satellite image of a well-planned prescribed burn unit.

Utilize Targeted Grazing for Firebreaks

Targeted grazing incorporated into an overall rotational grazing plan can be an excellent strategy to reduce an area's available fuel load and create a soft, or green, firebreak.

Ventenata grass aggresively spreading throughout rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Ventenata

Ventenata is an invasive annual grass that's an emerging threat to South Dakota rangelands due to its ability to exclude desired native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes a problem in your area.

Mottled brown grasshopper nymph sitting on a green leaf. Wing pads are easily observed in the image.

Grasshoppers Continue to Be an Issue During 2023

We have received numerous reports of very large populations of grasshopper nymphs in June. Before management action is taken, it is important to determine what stage observed grasshoppers are at.

Dense patch of brown, Medusahead grass on rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Medusahead

Grassland managers are encouraged to be on the lookout for Medusahead, an invasive grass that can aggressively out-compete native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes an issue.

A dense stand of tall, green bulbous bluegrass growing near a field.

Be on the Lookout: Bulbous Bluegrass

Bulbous bluegrass is a resilient, invasive grass that can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions. Learn how to identify and manage it before it impacts forage production.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

SDSU Extension receives $1 million contribution agreement from NRCS to protect grasslands from invasive trees

June 15, 2023

Trees are taking over the grasslands in the Northern Plains. To meet that threat, SDSU Extension recently received a $1 million contribution agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to combat the spread.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Large Grasshopper Populations Detected in South Dakota

Very large populations of grasshoppers have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although these grasshoppers aren’t causing serious defoliation in crops yet, there is the possibility that they will as the season progresses.

Tom Hausmann gives a briefing before the burn, while Greg Schmitz listens with the rest of the burn crew.

Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association: A landowner-led effort along the Missouri River

June 12, 2023

Started in 2016, the Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association is a landowner-led effort to combat the spread of trees along the Missouri River corridor in Gregory, Charles Mix, Brule and Lyman counties.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2023

Grasshoppers can cause serious defoliation in forage, soybeans and corn throughout much of the growing season. See our activity predictions for the 2023 growing season based on the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Grasshopper Survey.