Pasture

All Pasture Content

two black beetles rolling a ball of dung

Promoting Dung Beetles on the Range

In South Dakota, dung beetles help regulate rangeland health through dung dispersal.

A sprayer applying liquid herbicides on corn

While Illegal in Tolerant Soybean, Dicamba Can Still Be Applied in Other Crops

While dicamba labels (i.e., Engenia, Tavium, and Xtendimax) for over-the-top applications for tolerant soybeans have been pulled for the 2025 growing season, the herbicide can still be applied in other crops. Below is a guideline for dicamba use in various crops.

Two pastures side-by-side. The left has minimal snow capture due to reduced plant residue. The right has ample snow capture throughout due to increased plant residue.

Winter Pasture Report: What’s your plan for spring?

Widespread drought conditions persist across the upper Great Plains into the beginning of 2025. During drought conditions, it is extremely important for producers to regularly assess precipitation and forage resources so they can manage livestock accordingly.

Rancher on horseback moving a group of black cattle in winter pasture.

Preparing for Spring Grazing After a Dry Fall: Strategies for Ranchers

A dry fall presents significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to implement proactive and adaptive management strategies.

A green pasture and trees with a stream in the background

The Mortenson Ranch Story: Balancing Environment and Economics

The Mortenson Ranch Story is a remarkable account of the restoration of a western South Dakota landscape devastated early in the 20th century by homesteading and drought.

Two beef calves standing in a dry, fall pasture.

Combatting Drought Conditions With Early Weaning

Producers experiencing drought conditions should consider early weaning to reduce fall grazing pressure and facilitate some pasture recovery before dormancy.

A vast, rolling, well-managed rangeland.

How Much South Dakota Agricultural Land Lost to Development?

Fact sheet on the amount of South Dakota agricultural land lost to development between 2001 and 2021.

Tall, green grass surrounding a small, green yellow toadflax plant that hasn’t quite flowered yet.

Yellow Toadflax Has Not Flowered in Some Parts of South Dakota

Yellow toadflax is a difficult-to-manage weed that infests pastures and rangeland. In contrast with other weeds, yellow toadflax should be sprayed when flowers are present for more-effective management.

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

Fence line along a storm-damaged pasture in Butte County, South Dakota.

Pasture Recovery After Hail

When hail hits pastures, it essentially strips the leaves and breaks the stems of plants. When this occurs, it is essential to allow plants and grasses time to fully recover before grazing or haying again.