Content by Krista Ehlert

Two women inspecting grass in a field

Save the date for SDSU Extension Women on the Range grazing workshop July 22-24

May 20, 2025

Women in agriculture are invited to attend the 2025 South Dakota State University Extension Women on the Range Grazing Workshop on July 22–24 at Wedge Tent Ranch near Faith.

Two producers inspect the soil in a no-till field early in the growing season.

Gearing Up for the Grazing Season: Soil Health

Grazing season is around the corner and preparation before turning out is key. Understanding the intersection between soil health and grazing can help improve the function of your grazing system.

A lush, green riparian area adjacent to a wetland area.

Permitting Considerations for Riparian Areas

Streams and riparian areas are a valued resource to ranchers, providing, among other things, forage, water, and shelter for livestock. Unfortunately, their relatively low prevalence on the landscape and livestock’s heavy reliance on them has led to widespread degradation to many streams and riparian environments in rangelands worldwide.

A man in a yellow shirt kneels in a pasture with a group of youth and teenagers standing in a circle around him

A Guide to South Dakota's Rangeland and Soil Days

Fact sheet to provide an overview of the South Dakota Rangeland and Soil Days program. This also includes detailed guidelines and contest information.

Rancher on horseback moving a group of black cattle in winter pasture.

Preparing for Spring Grazing After a Dry Fall: Strategies for Ranchers

A dry fall presents significant challenges, but it also offers an opportunity to implement proactive and adaptive management strategies.

Tractor with sprayer applying postemergence herbicide to soybeans.

Current State of Row Crop Weed Management in South Dakota

Results of an online survey to determine how South Dakota stakeholders are currently managing row crop weeds.

A father, mother and daughter walking in a field in the countryside.

SDSU Extension to host farm, ranch family communication workshop

October 17, 2024

Froese, “Canada’s farm whisperer”, is a certified professional speaker, farmer, and award-winning author. This full-day workshop is designed to help farm and ranch families and agricultural professionals address the difficult conversations that can shape operations and their longevity. Through interactive exercises and practical advice, participants will learn how to effectively communicate about sensitive topics and constructively manage conflict.

A plant community with purple coneflowers and purple prairie clovers growing throughout among many other plant species.

Understanding Grazing Behavior in Cows: The Role of Forbs in Their Diet

By understanding and managing the role of forbs in pastures, livestock managers can improve the health and productivity of their herds, while promoting sustainable pasture ecosystems.

BeefSD Class 7

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Dr. Erin DeHaan and Dr. Krista Ehlert from South Dakota State University Extension to discuss the BeefSD program.

Black angus cattle in a feedlot.

SDSU Extension accepting applications for Class 7 of beefSD Program

July 08, 2024

Participation in the beefSD program is an opportunity for producers to learn about all aspects of the beef industry and develop skills needed to be successful beef business managers.