Grassland
All Grassland Content
Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur
Several species of poisonous plants are invasive and can easily establish dense stands when there is a disturbance on rangelands. Hemlocks, halogeton and buffalo bur can all be found throughout South Dakota and are toxic to livestock.
Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Locoweed and Crazyweed
Locoweed and crazyweed are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, and both can cause livestock poisoning.The names locoweed and crazyweed are often used interchangeably. However, there are notable differences between the species.
Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Larkspur and Poisonvetch
Larkspurs are the second leading cause for all livestock deaths from toxic plant poisoning. Poisonvetches are considered accumulator plants that uptake excessive levels of selenium and cause toxicity problems in cattle.
Common Flowering Plants (Forbs) of South Dakota
This guide focuses on forbs, or flowering “broad-leaved” herbaceous plants, but forbs can be narrow-leaved as well.
Five Range Management Principles: #4 Residual Forage
Residual forage is the amount of green leaf left after a grazing event. Understanding its importance can help producers capitalize on the symbiotic relationship that occurs when soil health is front and center on rangelands.
Five Range Management Principles: #1 Adaptive Management
Adaptive management is a process that livestock producers can incorporate into their operation to increase operation flexibility and adjust to changing conditions.
Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready
Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!
Selecting a Calving Season Based on Matching Nutritional Needs and Resources
Choosing the calving season is a complex and highly individual decision for each beef cattle producer. A primary consideration in pasture-based cow-calf operations is choosing a calving season that will best match the forage supply to forage demand.
Five Range Management Principles: #3 Ecosystem Biodiversity
Milkweed can help make rangelands a better environment for both cattle and neighboring plants and animals by having a shielding effect on companion plants, preventing erosion and accelerating the decomposition process, whole also providing nectar, habitat and organic material for ecosystem services.
Five Range Management Principles: #2 Creating a Grazing Plan
Creating a grazing management plan can be overwhelming. Learn the basic steps for outlining a plan, along with several resources to help identify the right strategy for your operation.