Grassland

All Grassland Content

Two ranchers examining a fencline along a grassland property.

Designing a Grazing Program

The development of a successful grazing management program begins with a mental inventory and an observation of what is happening that you would like to change. Next, consider what you are willing to do to make that change.

Small group of cattle grazing a well-managed grassland area.

Grazing Systems

According to rangeland and pasture specialists, there are four basic types of grazing systems, including: continuous grazing, deferred rotational grazing, rest rotational grazing and management-intensive grazing.

Variety of native grasses growing in a well-managed pasture.

Warm and Cool-Season Grasses

Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

Vast, well-managed rangeland property with a healthy variety or resources.

Why Grassland Management?

Grassland management involves more than simply moving livestock from one pasture to the next. Successful grassland managers are educated in grassland health and strive to improve their personal understanding of key grassland components.

Group of producers attending a grassland management workshop.

South Dakota Grassland Management Resources

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition provides educational opportunities for producers and agency personnel alike and has a wealth of informational tools available to share with others seeking assistance.

South Dakota Grassland Coalition Logo

Introducing the South Dakota Grassland Coalition

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is a non-profit organization that seeks the voluntary improvement and protection of privately owned grasslands for the long-term needs of the resource and its various species.

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

SDSU Extension Announces Rangeland and Soils Day Results

June 14, 2021

The first place 4-H teams in each judging event from both contest locations will now advance to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May 2022.

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

Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?

With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.

A grassland plot with a variety of exotic grass plantings growing throughout.

Grassland Fertilization: Exotic Grass Planting Case Studies - McPherson and Jerauld Counties

Our previous installment of this series discussed the effects of fertilization on native grassland plantings. This last installment addresses the options for fertilization on low-diversity exotic grassland plantings.