Grassland

All Grassland Content

Cattle grazing late-fall pasture.

Pasture Conditions and Grazing Opportunities

Fall rains across South Dakota have provided some much-needed soil moisture improvement. Learn some expert tips for taking advantage of late-season grazing opportunities on pasture and rangeland.

A lush, native grassland with a variety of wild flowers blooming.

How do we describe biodiversity? It's multidimensional!

Fact sheet on the importance of biodiversity

Fall pasture with cool-season grass greening up throughout.

Fall Grazing: A Cautionary Tale

It is very tempting to graze new, green cool-season grasses when pastures are dry most of the summer. However, caution should be taken to not overgraze this green-up.

Leafy spurge growing along the edge of a field.

Leafy Spurge Control in the Fall

Leafy spurge is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Spring and fall herbicide applications are critical for leafy spurge management.

Canada thistle growing along field’s edge.

Canada Thistle Control in the Fall

Canada thistle begins to transport assimilates and nutrients down its roots in the fall to survive the winter months. Now is the time to consider a fall herbicide application to keep it under control.

Absinth wormwood growing in a field.

Absinth Wormwood Control in the Fall

Absinth wormwood is a difficult-to-control, noxious weed in South Dakota. Now is the time to consider fall applications for absinth wormwood control.

Yellow toadflax in the reproductive-flowering stage.

Yellow Toadflax Control

Yellow toadflax is a short-lived perennial plant that infests pasture and rangeland. If not controlled, it can displace native plant species and increase the potential for soil erosion. Learn some tactics for managing it.

Variety of South Dakota native plants.

A Guide to Collecting, Pressing, and Mounting Plants

Fact sheet on collecting, pressing and mounting plants

Small group of cattle grazing a vast, well-managed rangeland.

Holistic Ranch Management Helps With Economic and Climate Resilience

Holistic ranch management offers ways to think about ranching as part of a diverse ecological system. Learn how two South Dakota operations have leveraged it to generate multiple income streams from shared resources.

Members of the Burke County Fire Department assisting with a prescribed burn.

Why Should Fire Departments Help With Prescribed Burns?

From establishing fuel breaks that can contain future wildfires to providing valuable training for fire department volunteers, learn some of the many benefits of involving your local fire department in a prescribed burn.