Range

All Range Content

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.

Red angus cattle gathered in a feedlot in winter.

Livestock

South Dakota is home to a dynamic livestock industry.

Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station
Dec 17

Private Applicator Training for Rangelands

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for rangelands on December 17, 2025, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT) focused on managing pests in rangelands. Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

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.


Cattle grazing snow-dusted winter pasture.
Nov 17

Annie's Inspired Virtual Series

SDSU Extension will host a free virtual series over Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m. CST on November 17, 24 and December 1, for women involved in agriculture. The webinar is open to all and will focus on managing risk in today’s agricultural environment.

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Noxious and Pasture Weed Plot Data Report

Data books to use as a reference to select appropriate herbicide(s) for noxious and pasture weed

Small group of cattle grazing fall pasture.

Fall Pasture Report: Considerations for Dormant Season Grazing

Recent fall rains across the region continue to improve soil moisture conditions in preparation for the dormant season. Unlike in years past, a fall green up has been in full swing for much of the region.

Several cows and cow-calf pairs at pasture.
Nov 10

Range Beef Cow Symposium

The 2025 Range Beef Cow Symposium will be hosted by the University of Wyoming in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on November 10 and 11. 

Two young woman inspecting plants growing on a vast, open range.

Women on the Range

Women on the Range is a program that is open to all. Through hands-on workshops and peer learning, this program empowers landowners, ranchers, and natural resource managers to build confidence and leadership in grazing and land stewardship.

Yellow toadflax plants flowering in a grassy area beside a field.

Yellow Toadflax Has Begun Producing Seeds: Scout before treating infested areas

Yellow toadflax is a perennial weed that infests pasture and rangeland across South Dakota. This year, with an abundance of heat and moisture, plants flowered in early August and now have started to produce seeds.