Range

All Range Content

Mesonet station overlooking drought-stressed pasture in Porcupine, South Dakota.

Pasture Conditions

Pasture conditions need to be carefully considered when determining when to turn livestock out to pasture, especially during drier years. See some tips and tools to help make your operation's turn out season a success.

Map of South Dakota of Northern Great Plains and the Western United States. Colors indicate the number of grasshoppers per square yard in each of the sampled locations. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2026

Almost every year in South Dakota there is a risk that grasshopper populations will reach levels capable of causing issues for producers. Unfortunately, our prediction for the 2026 growing season won’t change the trend.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs

Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.

Young absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge plants emerging.

Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow

Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.

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.


Group of youth competing in a Rangeland and Soil Judging contest

Land Judging In South Dakota Guidebook

This guide is for high school aged students to prepare for land judging contests in South Dakota.

Beef cattle herd grazing a lush, green grassland.

Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?

As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.

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.

youth spread out on a grassy hill side with clipboards and paper

Wrangler Guide to South Dakota Rangelands

This guide is for middle school age students (Wranglers) to learn more about rangelands in South Dakota.

Beef cattle grazing summer pasture.
Jul 16

The Value of Plant Diversity for Land and Livestock Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss the value of plant diversity for the benefits of pasture health and grazing livestock nutrition.