The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is making an exciting transformation with this year’s Annual Conference on December 5, 2024.
The Grazing Schools are designed to help ranchers implement improved grazing planning. Each 3 day school is led by
experienced land managers and agency professionals.
American agriculture is in the beginning of one of the largest transfers of land and wealth in the nation’s history. Only 30% of family farms/ranches survive to the second generation. Twelve percent make it to the third and only 3% survive to the fourth generation.
Devoting resources, creating new partnerships, and recognizing the potential impact on marginal lands across the state of South Dakota is what created the Every Acre Counts Program. South Dakota State University, Second Century Habitat Fund, Pheasants Forever, South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks, South Dakota Corn, and Purina are the key founders of the program. …
SD Grassland Coalition Grown substantially over the last decade with the generous support of partner organizations that share in the mission and vision of the Coalition. There have been many points of growth, but some key milestones are expansion of the board from 7 to 9 active producers, expansion of the staff from a single …
the first cross fences Consisted of steel posts and barb wire went in at Rock Hills Ranch in 1985. After stringing what probably amounts to several thousand miles of fence over the years Luke Perman shared what’s working for him in 2022. With the cattle split into four herds and two bands of custom grazed …
I’ve lived in the Great Plains for 30 years and you would think I would be used to the wacky weather we have here in South Dakota. However, each year seems to bring on its own unique challenges. The recent derecho was a new one for me. I’ve never seen wind like that before and …
Rotational grazing Creates soil health which promotes plant growth. Increased soil health leads to greater drought tolerance. If you have historically season long grazed, the pastures will respond positively, over time, to rotational grazing. Plant populations and plant vigor will increase due to healthier soil. Water will infiltrate better during a rain event. Rotational grazing …
It’s no secret that ag inputs can be hard to find and expensive. Fencing supplies are a good example. I visited with Reed Cammack at Cammack Supply at Union Center and Glen Rausch of Onaka who operates a custom fencing business in addition to raising cattle. Rausch has 30+ years of experience in custom fencing. …
The current drought of 2021-2022 is in progress Most ranches have started implementing their drought plans by selling off less desirable classes of cattle. Based on NOAA`s monthly long range forecasts, we are to expect above normal heat and below normal moisture April through August.Most stock dams in western South Dakota are dry or very …
Watering Cattle – Combine Herds for Range Health and Drought Management Read More »