Content by Kaylee Wheeler

Sunny sky over pasture at the Cottonwood Mesonet station.

Considerations for Pasture and Herd Health in a Mixed-Precipitation Year

Planning for drought can quickly be replaced with a false sense of security when precipitation does arrive in the middle of the growing and grazing seasons, but the long-term sustainability of your pastures and herd depends on timely, flexible management.

2026 Rangeland and Soil Days Contest brings 115 youth to Belle Fourche

June 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that 115 youth participated in the 42nd annual Rangeland and 21st annual Soil Days contests on June 9-10, 2026, in Belle Fourche.

A woman stands behind a white pickup's tailgate talking to a group of people in an open pasture

Save the date for Rosebud Range Workshop in July 2026

June 25, 2026

Save the date for this year’s Rosebud Range Workshop, which is July 15, 2026, at the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Ranch by Rosebud.

Beef cattle herd grazing a lush, green grassland.

Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?

As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.

Group of youth participants at rangeland and soil days.

SDSU Extension invites youth to 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days

March 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites youth interested in learning more about grasslands and soil health to the 2026 Rangeland and Soil Days in Belle Fourche.

youth spread out on a grassy hill side with clipboards and paper

Wrangler Guide to South Dakota Rangelands

This guide is for middle school age students (Wranglers) to learn more about rangelands in South Dakota.

a group of youth in a grassy pasture

Range and Soil Judging

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with local conservation districts, the natural resources conservation service, and the South Dakota Society for Range Management to facilitate the annual Rangeland and Soil Days event for youth.

A group of people in an open pasture wearing light blue shirts smile for the camera

SD youth present at National High School Youth Forum in California

March 23, 2026

Two high school students from South Dakota were selected to be delegates for the High School Youth Forum at the International Society for Range Management meeting.

Group of youth competing in a Rangeland and Soil Judging contest

Land Judging In South Dakota Guidebook

This guide is for high school aged students to prepare for land judging contests in South Dakota.

a group of youth sitting on a dirt pile in the middle of a field with clipboards and paper.

Homesite Judging In South Dakota Guidebook

This guide is for high school aged students to prepare for homesite judging contests in South Dakota.