Grassland

All Grassland Content

Variety of grasses growing in rangeland with some showing signs of drought stress.

Options for Spring Turnout

Every year at green-up, grass managers must make decisions about when and where to begin grazing. Several options are available depending on pasture resources, stored feed resources and the ability to be flexible.

healthy, well-mainted rangeland with ample ground cover

Natural Resources: The Ranch Foundation During Drought

Just as every factory needs a sturdy and healthy foundation to be sustainable, a ranch manager must keep a watchful eye on the natural resources of the ranch during drought.

Two ranchers in a pasture reviewing a mangement plan.

The Importance of Math in the Art of Grazing

It might seem a bit silly to check in on your stocking rate calculations, but it is something that is undoubtedly worth your time, whether you’re a seasoned rancher or you’re still trying to get your feet under you.

Revegetation of Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

This publication provides suggested native species suitable for the revegetation of salt-impacted soils. The suggested species are listed as native to South Dakota according to the USDA NRCS Plants Database.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

An Introduction to Salt-Impacted Soils in South Dakota

Introduction of salt-impacted soils in South Dakota for landowners.

A small herd of cattle grazing a hilly pasture in early fall.

Barriers To Rotational Grazing: Perceptions From Ranchers in the Dakotas

Despite the potential benefits of rotational grazing, its adoption rate has stagnated in recent years. To help understand major barriers faced by producers towards rotational grazing, we conducted a survey among ranchers in the U.S. Great Plains.

A yearling heifer grazes on Canada thistle after a mid-October snowfall.

Plan Now to Control Weeds With Grazing Next Season

Livestock will graze Canada goldenrod, Canada thistle and perennial sow thistle. At certain times of the year, these plants have crude protein, total digestible nutrients, and invitro dry matter digestibility concentrations similar to alfalfa and other common forages.

Group of angus cattle grazing winter pasture.

Rotational Grazing During Winter

Winter feed represents one of the largest costs for a livestock production enterprise. Grazing pasture that has been stockpiled for winter use is a rational alternative to limit costs resulting from both harvest and feeding of hay.

A lush, native South Dakota pasture with a variety of grasses, flowers, and plants growing throughout.

SDSU Extension Releases Guide for Landowners Involved in Wind or Energy Development

September 18, 2020

Recent energy development projects have impacted several regions of South Dakota with disturbance to native soils.

A dirt road leading to a winder energy station in the middle of a grassland area.

Understanding Contract Language and Restoring Native Grassland Damage after Energy Development

Energy development on private lands can result in locally heavy land manipulation. Of particular concern is the manipulation of native grasslands and other sensitive areas and how it will affect those areas in the short-and-long-term.