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Pasture

All Pasture Content

Dense patch of brown, Medusahead grass on rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Medusahead

Grassland managers are encouraged to be on the lookout for Medusahead, an invasive grass that can aggressively out-compete native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes an issue.

A dense stand of tall, green bulbous bluegrass growing near a field.

Be on the Lookout: Bulbous Bluegrass

Bulbous bluegrass is a resilient, invasive grass that can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions. Learn how to identify and manage it before it impacts forage production.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Large Grasshopper Populations Detected in South Dakota

Very large populations of grasshoppers have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although these grasshoppers aren’t causing serious defoliation in crops yet, there is the possibility that they will as the season progresses.

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

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2023

Grasshoppers can cause serious defoliation in forage, soybeans and corn throughout much of the growing season. See our activity predictions for the 2023 growing season based on the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Grasshopper Survey.

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

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.

Three cattle injection needles.

Discussing the Dart Delivery Method for Treating Cattle

Cattle ranchers strive to minimize the stress of handling and disease on their animals. One way they can do this is by implementing remote delivery devices.

Rangeland and Soil Days attendees observing a grassland area.

39th annual Rangeland and 18th annual Soil Days set for June 14-15 in Watertown

March 20, 2023

SDSU Extension, Codington Conservation District and South Dakota Natural Resources Conservation Service are hosting Rangeland Days and Soil Days on June 14-15 in Watertown, South Dakota.

Prescribed burn taking place in a pasture.

Fire as a Management Tool

When planned for and implemented appropriately fire is a tool that can have tremendous benefits to your grassland community.

Field pennycress

Toxic Plants in Dormant Pasture and Hay: Field Pennycress

Toxic plants negatively impact livestock by decreasing reproductive performance (breeding and calving rate), reducing weight gains, and causing animal health issues and death. Assessing and treating animals experiencing toxicity may increase operation costs through either veterinary intervention or death loss.