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Content by Krista Ehlert

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.

A large monarch caterpillar exploring the flowers of a swamp milkweed plant (Asclepias incarnata) in a field plot.

Range Roundup: SDSU Native Plant Initiative Strengthens Conservation and Supply of Native Plants

SDSU’s Native Plant Initiative has been hard at work on research that focuses on the conservation and supply of native plants.

A group of children stands in front of a display with plants and simulated rainfall

2024 Rangeland and Soils Days hosts more than 100 youth

June 28, 2024

More than 100 youth participated in the 40th annual Rangeland and 19th annual Soils Days on June 12-13, 2024, in Watertown.