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Producer and USDA Farm Service Agency agent reviewing forms on a desk.

Qualifying Livestock Forage Program Applications

As drought conditions worsen, livestock producers will find feed assistance from the Livestock Forage Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. Learn how to qualify, apply and certify your application for assistance.

A grassland plot with a variety of exotic grass plantings growing throughout.

Grassland Fertilization: Exotic Grass Planting Case Studies - McPherson and Jerauld Counties

Our previous installment of this series discussed the effects of fertilization on native grassland plantings. This last installment addresses the options for fertilization on low-diversity exotic grassland plantings.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Grass Planting Case Study - Codington County

Management goals of planted grasslands are an important driver in the consideration of whether fertilizer applications will be beneficial or harmful. Here, we will discuss various plant communities and the impact of fertilization on each.

A native pasture community with noticable invasive plant issues.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Study - Hamlin County

Whether fertilization pays or not depends on the species present, the past management history and the type of grazing strategy. This study compares two very different plant communities that represent typical pastures and management schemes in this area.

Vast, rolling rangeland near the Black Hills of South Dakota.

'Good, Bad and Invasive Plant Tour' set for June 3

May 28, 2021

This year's tour will take place on June 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (CST) at Sica Hollow State Park near Sisseton.

Woman using a grazing stick to measure forage status.

Using the ‘Grazing Stick’ To Assess Pasture Forage

Assessing pasture forage is a key step in planning grazing strategies. A grazing stick is a tool that uses simple math and measurements to determine herd size, stocking rates and available grazing days. We will address how to use a grazing stick in this article.

Producer moving a small group of grazing cattle.

Focus on Grazing Management, Not Grazing ‘Systems’

Focusing only on the system and forgetting the fundamental truths of grazing will break any grazing strategy. Producers should instead focus on intensive management, making informed decisions based on the current conditions.

Small group of producers discussing a grassland management plan near a fenceline.

Fall Is the Time To Plan for Fire

Fall is the time to begin planning for spring prescribed fire. This article examines the three primary components to a successful burn: burn unit preparation, burn planning and burn implementation.

Winter wheat field with extreme soil erosion due to drought.

Impacts of Drought on Soil, Water, Forage and Livestock Grazing Systems

Grazing systems are complex, because soil, water, forage and livestock components are interconnected and affect each other. Producers can put themselves back in the driver’s seat by developing annual systems-level grazing plans for favorable and unfavorable situations.

a group of people in a grassy pasture

Rangeland and Soils Days set for June 2 in Murdo, Redfield

May 06, 2021

The event will focus solely on the Go-Getter (14-to-18-year-old) division. The Go-Getters will judge habitat suitability for cattle and grouse, in addition to plant identification and morphology.