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Wildlife

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Variety of native grasses growing in a well-managed pasture.

Warm and Cool-Season Grasses

Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

Vast, well-managed rangeland property with a healthy variety or resources.

Why Grassland Management?

Grassland management involves more than simply moving livestock from one pasture to the next. Successful grassland managers are educated in grassland health and strive to improve their personal understanding of key grassland components.

Group of producers attending a grassland management workshop.

South Dakota Grassland Management Resources

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition provides educational opportunities for producers and agency personnel alike and has a wealth of informational tools available to share with others seeking assistance.

South Dakota Grassland Coalition Logo

Introducing the South Dakota Grassland Coalition

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is a non-profit organization that seeks the voluntary improvement and protection of privately owned grasslands for the long-term needs of the resource and its various species.

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

SDSU Extension Announces Rangeland and Soils Day Results

June 14, 2021

The first place 4-H teams in each judging event from both contest locations will now advance to the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma in May 2022.

a map of South Dakota's grasslands.

SDSU Extension Receives National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Award for South Dakota Native Habitats Study

December 21, 2020

An SDSU Extension native habitats research project recently received a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation award to support an ongoing effort to identify native habitats in South Dakota.

Several black beef cattle close together feeding.

Tuberculosis in Cattle: What You Need to Know

Bovine tuberculosis is a chronic and slowly progressive disease of cattle that emerges periodically in the U.S. Cases of bovine tuberculosis are usually diagnosed on the basis of tell-tale abnormalities found on slaughter inspection.

a map showing the precipitation outlook for June 2020

Summer 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

August 12, 2020

With alternating cool and warm weather patterns throughout the last few months and the summer season ahead, temperature continues to be a challenge for climate forecasters in South Dakota.

two black beetles rolling a ball of dung

An identification guide to common Dung Beetles of South Dakota

A guide of common dung beetles of South Dakota.