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Content by Krista Ehlert

Photo showing a wildfire recovery on native rangelands.

Range Roundup: Dormant Season Wildfire Project in Northwestern South Dakota

Two of the main environmental conditions that drive post-wildfire rangeland recovery include health of the rangeland ecosystem prior to the wildfire and climatic variables, such as precipitation or drought after the fire event.

Small group of cattle grazing a well-managed grassland area.

Cool-Season Grasses of South Dakota

Fact sheet about cool-season grasses in South Dakota.

Two young woman inspecting plants growing on a vast, open range.

SDSU Extension to Host Women on the Range Mini Winter Workshop

December 29, 2021

Women in agriculture across South Dakota are invited to attend a Women on the Range Mini Winter Workshop in Fort Pierre and Pierre, South Dakota, on Jan. 14, 2022. Participants will learn about the importance of soil health and how to integrate it into their grazing management systems, as well as available winter feeding methods that also create ecosystem benefits.

Pasture with big bluestream grass and Kentucky bluegrass

Targeted Grazing Strategies for Kentucky Bluegrass Control

Fact sheet for targeted grazing strategies for Kentucky bluegrass control.

A herd of cattle grazing near a pond on an open range.

Ranch Drought Planning

Fact sheet with general drought planning tips from the range and natural resource perspective.

Three woody plants. From left: Ponderosa pine tree, chokecherry bush and greasewood.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Woody Species

Several woody plant species that are poisonous to livestock are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, including ponderosa pine, chokecherry, greasewood and broom snakeweed.

A small herd of cattle grazing a hilly pasture in early fall.

Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop Postponed

August 16, 2021

The Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop scheduled for Aug. 19 at the South Dakota State University Extension Pierre Regional Center has been postponed.

Two young woman inspecting plants growing on a vast, open range.

Range Roundup: South Dakota Women on the Range

With the percentage of women in agriculture expected to grow over the next few years, SDSU Extension will be launching a new program called South Dakota Women on the Range. The program will educate women about the importance of range management, while also empowering them to become leaders in the agriculture industry.

Three poisonous rangeland plants. From left: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Hemlock, Halogeton and Buffalo Bur

Several species of poisonous plants are invasive and can easily establish dense stands when there is a disturbance on rangelands. Hemlocks, halogeton and buffalo bur can all be found throughout South Dakota and are toxic to livestock.

Two poisonous rangeland plants. Left: Woolly Locoweed.  Right: Lambert Crazyweed (Purple Locoweed).

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Locoweed and Crazyweed

Locoweed and crazyweed are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, and both can cause livestock poisoning.The names locoweed and crazyweed are often used interchangeably. However, there are notable differences between the species.