Grassland

All Grassland Content

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

Guide for judging South Dakota rangelands for livestock and wildlife values

Rangeland and Soil Days attendees observing a grassland area.

39th annual Rangeland and 18th annual Soil Days set for June 14-15 in Watertown

March 20, 2023

SDSU Extension, Codington Conservation District and South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service are hosting Rangeland Days and Soil Days on June 14-15 in Watertown, South Dakota.

Professional headshot of Sandy Smart

SDSU Extension program leader receives Society for Range Management Fellow Award

March 13, 2023

The Society for Range Management recently named SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader Sandy Smart a 2023 Fellow Award winner.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

Register now for spring 2023 Landowner Prescribed Fire Training

March 06, 2023

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, in partnership with SDSU Extension and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, will host several free Prescribed Fire Training sessions tailored to private landowners.

Prescribed burn taking place in a pasture.

Fire as a Management Tool

When planned for and implemented appropriately fire is a tool that can have tremendous benefits to your grassland community.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Western South Dakota Stream Guide now available for landowners, managers

January 24, 2023

A new manual, “Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams” – or the Stream Guide – is now available as a free digital download.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.

Aerial view of cattle near a feeder.

Utilizing Drones for Ranching Operations

Using drones as a tool for monitoring grasslands, checking cattle, and monitoring water sources has increased recently. Learn some important licensing and safety considerations for using drones on your operation.

From left: Meadow deathcamas in a South Dakota prairie rangeland. Silvery Lupine in a rangeland in South Dakota.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Deathcamas and Lupine

With prolonged drought conditions throughout many areas of South Dakota, there is an increase of invasive weeds and poisonous plants on rangelands. Identification of poisonous plants is crucial to ensure livestock production is not compromised.