Pasture

All Pasture Content

An orange plastic hoop placed around a portion of tall grass on a range to provide a measurement.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

2025 Rangeland Grasshopper Hazard map. Photo Courtesy of USDA APHIS, PPQ. ALT TEXT: Map of South Dakota of Northern Great Plains and the Western United States. Colors indicate the number of grasshoppers per square yard in each of the sampled locations. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2025

In 2025, it is likely that grasshopper populations will once again reach levels capable of causing issues in some areas of the state. Scouting should begin shortly after planting in areas where they were problematic in 2024 and continue throughout the growing season.

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

Black Grass Bug Activity Ramping Up

Black grass bugs feed on fresh green growth, which can result in stunted plants and decreased forage quality. Monitoring and potential management of black grass bugs will be of increased importance this spring, especially if drought persists.

A group of producers surveying a grazing area in early spring.

Spring Planting and Grazing Adjustments During Drought

Dry springs mean management changes for both farmers and ranchers as they plan for summer. Learn some important considerations for planting and grazing during a dry spring.

Early germinating rosettes of common mullein and houndstongue.

Common Mullein and Houndstongue Have Germinated in the Black Hills and Surrounding Areas West River

Two biennial species, common mullein and houndstongue, have germinated and begun to grow in the Black Hills. Now is the time to scout and determine where areas need attention to manage these species and other weeds.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

Four common South Dakota ticks: American dog, Rocky Mountain wood, blacklegged and Lonestar.

Spring is here, and so are the ticks!

As spring continues to bloom, more arthropods will begin to emerge from winter dormancy. Ticks are among the first to appear, and statewide reports have already been flowing in.

Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

Small flock of sheep grazing in a pasture.

Using Livestock to Promote Healthy Rangelands

Fact sheet about using livestock to promote healthy rangelands

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

Grassland Management School

Landowners learn the art and science of grassland restoration and management through Grassland Management Schools.