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Range

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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.

Drought-stressed pasture near Ladner, South Dakota.

Pasture, Rangeland and Forage – Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Program: Overview and Guidelines for South Dakota Producers

The Pasture, Rangeland and Forage – Rainfall Index crop insurance program has been available in South Dakota since 2013, and some South Dakota producers have used its payouts to protect their operation from the risks of forage loss when rainfall falls below the local average.

Group of Rangeland and Soils Day competitors observing grassland conditions during the competiton.

Judging South Dakota Rangelands for Livestock and Wildlife Values

This guide is for high school age students to prepare for range judging contests in South Dakota.

Johnsongrass, Saltmarsh Arrowgrass, and Reed Canarygrass.

Hidden Dangers of Prussic Acid

Prussic acid is a herbivory defense mechanism used by numerous plant species, but is most-associated with sorghum and sudangrass hybrids. While the risk of prussic acid poisoning is greatest in sorghum species, several additional species present across South Dakota can produce prussic acid at varying levels of concern.

Herd of black beef cattle grazing a lush, green pasture.

Does Water in Grass Change How Much Cattle Drink?

Ranchers know that cattle need clean drinking water every day. But the water already inside grass is easy to overlook. As grass grows older and dries out during summer, cattle may need more water from tanks or other sources.

Women standing in a circle learning about rangeland plants

Women in Agriculture

SDSU Extension's women in agriculture programs are open to all. These programs are designed to provide practical education and a strong support network to benefit farmers, ranchers, business professionals and those who support the agricultural industry.


a grassy field where part of the field has been burned.

Prescribed Fire Timing for South Dakota USDA Conservation Programs, Native Grass Plantings, and Native Pastures

Use this publication to determine suitable times for prescribed fire burns in South Dakota.

green leafy foliage with small yellow buds.

Effectiveness of Saflufenacil (Sharpen) Mixed with Imazapic (Plateau) to Manage Leafy Spurge

Leafy spurge is a noxious weed of many pastures and rangelands in South Dakota. This research study looks at the effectiveness of Saflufenacil mixed with imazapic to manage leafy spurge.

Absinth wormwood, biennial thistle rosette, and leafy spurge.

Recent Rainfall Likely to Improve Fall Herbicide Applications for Noxious Weed Management

Under hot and dry conditions, weeds are stressed and herbicide activity decreases, leading to poor management. While recent rain events have impeded row crop harvest, the moisture is welcomed to improve the activity of fall herbicide performance for noxious weeds in pastures and rangelands.

a group of cattle grazing in a green pasture.

Considerations for Fall Grazing: Strategies to Maximize Productivity and Rangeland Health

Learn about the key strategies to maximize rangeland health for fall grazing.