Content by Kaylee Wheeler

A logo of a cow with a calf over the words Sweetheart Ranch

SDSU Extension hosting hands-on soil health workshop at Iona ranch

June 18, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting an educational soil health workshop for women and couples involved in agriculture at the Sweetheart Ranch near Iona.

A group of producers surveying a grazing area in early spring.

Spring Planting and Grazing Adjustments During Drought

Dry springs mean management changes for both farmers and ranchers as they plan for summer. Learn some important considerations for planting and grazing during a dry spring.

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.

Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

Small group of black cattle grazing a grassland area.

Increasing Adaptability With Alternative Grazing Strategies

The greatest sum in most cattle budgets is simply keeping cows fed. Whether grazing cropland or grassland, there are countless opportunities to improve your operation's bottom line through alternative grazing strategies.

People stand in a line in the middle of an open pasture

2025 Rangeland and Soil Days for youth is June 10-11 in Belle Fourche

March 20, 2025

The 41st annual Rangeland and 20th annual Soil Days for youth is June 10-11, 2025, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall.

Pasture contaminated with Eastern Red Cedar

Pasture Attacker: Woody Plants are Robbing Your Forage Production

Traditionally, the prairie is home to herbaceous vegetation, such as grasses and broadleaf plant species. Although many woody plants are naturally present in canyon, riparian, or river areas, they are not meant to be a part of the grassland landscape.

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 Soils Days

Fact sheet to provide an overview of the South Dakota Rangeland and Soils Days program.

Two pastures side-by-side. The left has minimal snow capture due to reduced plant residue. The right has ample snow capture throughout due to increased plant residue.

Winter Pasture Report: What’s your plan for spring?

Widespread drought conditions persist across the upper Great Plains into the beginning of 2025. During drought conditions, it is extremely important for producers to regularly assess precipitation and forage resources so they can manage livestock accordingly.

Blooming Prairies: Embracing Plant Variety

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Kaylee Wheeler from South Dakota State University Extension and Rae Powers from the Xerces Society to discuss native forbs and variety on South Dakota rangelands.