Prairie dogs are an important component of the grassland ecosystem. They feed on grasses and forbs, as well as seeds and some insects. They can consume large amounts of vegetation. This is a problem for livestock producers as they compete with livestock for forage.
October 01, 2019
The 2019 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference will be held Oct. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on the campus of South Dakota State University in the Volstorff Ballroom of the University Student Union.
May 22, 2019
The South Dakota Mesonet has installed a new weather station at the West River Research Farm near Sturgis with the support of the South Dakota Wheat Commission.
A guide to identifying common ticks in South Dakota
During wet springs, tick populations tend to thrive in South Dakota. These parasitic arthropods require blood to fulfill their nutritional needs and commonly use humans as a host. Some ticks can also carry bacterial diseases that are a threat to human health.
Noxious Weed Recommendations: Herbicides for pasture, range, and non-crop areas, including roadside and other right-of-way that may be harvested for hay or grazed, are given a priority.
South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.
December 18, 2018
Passionate about farming and hunting, South Dakota State University student Cole Berkley looks forward to sharing why he wants to farm and why he hunts at the Precision Agriculture Workshop at the 2018 National Pheasant Fest and Quail Classic.
Anyone who has spent time cutting hay knows that hayland can be a magnet for wildlife in late spring and early summer. Hay fields are often considered an “ecological trap” for wildlife; that is, they appear to be high quality habitat for nesting or feeding due to tall, dense grass and legumes, but often lead to increased mortality once harvesting is under way.
In South Dakota, dung beetles help regulate rangeland health through dung dispersal.