Pasture

All Pasture Content

Vast, rolling rangeland with spring plant growth.

Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth

Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production for livestock producers. Learn some key considerations to observing and mitigating the effects of this variability.

Color-coded map showing precent of normal forage production for South Dakota. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Herd Inventory Centers on Feed Available

With drought conditions continuing across the state, livestock producers will be making hard decisions on livestock inventory numbers as pasture and feed availability become an even more significant factor.

Dealing With Storm Debris in Pastures and Hay Fields

Storm debris in pastures and forage-producing fields can pose a significant health risks to livestock. Learns some expert tips for mitigating risks and protecting your animals.

Prickly Russian Thistle

Publications that provide introductory and expanded information on the notorious invasive plant, prickly Russian thistle.

Group of people attending a rangeland workshop.

South Dakota Natural Resource Professionals Range Camp Registration Now Open

April 26, 2022

SDSU Extension, in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management and the Natural Resource Conservation Service, is hosting a three-day range camp June 28-30 in Belle Fourche, South Dakota.

Cattle grazing rangeland divided by a fence for rotational grazing.

Reading the Range: Range readiness, grazing timing and drought considerations

Grazing timing is key when managing rangelands during a drought. Learn how to determine grazing readiness for different plant communities found throughout pastures and rangelands.

Pasture with big bluestream grass and Kentucky bluegrass

Targeted Grazing Strategies for Kentucky Bluegrass Control

Fact sheet for targeted grazing strategies for Kentucky bluegrass control.

Windy and Divide Fires

General guide to all South Dakota landowners who may be affected by unplanned fire events.

Small group of cattle eating plants near a fenceline

Cows Eat Weeds

By utilizing grazing as a means of cultural control, producers have the potential to decrease input expenses while reaping the benefits of inexpensive weed control through animal nutrition.

A group of mixed cattle grazing in a pasture with several Canada Thistle plants spreading throughout.

Alternative Pasture Weed Control

The term ‘weed’ can be broadly applied to any plant that is undesirable at any given time and place based on certain criteria. It is important to understand that the word ‘weed’ has become a general term with no universal definition, and many plants are considered to be weeds, depending on location.