Pasture

All Pasture Content

a black tailed prairie dog resting on a mount

Prairie Dog Management in South Dakota

Fact sheet for the management of prairie dogs in South Dakota

Field with extensive injury caused by fall armyworm caterpillars.

Fall Armyworm Caterpillars Causing Issues in South Dakota

This week we started to receive reports of pastures and alfalfa stands that have been heavily fed on by fall armyworm caterpillars. Typically, these pests are not an issue in South Dakota. However, populations have been very large in many states during 2021, and they have now moved into South Dakota.

several small eastern red cedar trees growing in rangeland

‘Baa-d Cedars’ Field Day Examines Goat-Targeted Grazing on Cedars

September 17, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension invites the public to an interactive Eastern Red Cedar Management Field Day to see the impact goats can have in controlling the most widely distributed conifer across eastern North America.

Rolling, drought-stressed pasture with new, green growth emerging in early fall.

Be Careful Grazing the Green this Fall

With fall grazing on the horizon, nearly all of South Dakota is still experiencing drought conditions. Regardless of where your ranch is located, a rancher must be very careful when grazing the fall green-up of cool-season grasses.

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

Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop Postponed

August 16, 2021

The Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop scheduled for Aug. 19 at the South Dakota State University Extension Pierre Regional Center has been postponed.

Ranchers viewing USDA disaster assistance information on a computer in a home office.

Drought Assistance Questions Answered

Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

Smart to Lead SDSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Program

July 06, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension has named Alexander “Sandy” Smart as the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Program Leader.

A hand displaying a welded pipe system joint.

Welded Connections and Shallow Bury Pasture Pipe Offers Alternative to Above Ground Systems

Above-ground systems offer a great amount of flexibility in delivering water and options for changing pasture designs over time or space. However, some producers do not desire to maintain as much flexibility in their systems, and for those individuals more-permanent options exist without going to a deep-bury system.

patch of reed canary grass in pasture

Reed Canary Grass: Possible Prussic Acid & Alkaloid Issues

Prussic acid issues with reed canary grass are poorly understood and may go unrecognized if they occur. This article addresses a little-known but interesting aspect of the biology of reed canary grass.

A black cow grazing on a public grassland.

Grazing and Recreation on South Dakota School and Public Lands

Ryan Brunner, Commissioner of State School and Public Lands, shares some excellent information for those interested in understanding more about grazing and hunting on South Dakota school and public lands.