“I know I'm going to be short of forage. So I have to get rid of some cattle. I believe doing it an organized, planned way through a drought and forage plan is the most economical way. If we can’t grow grass, we can't make money... whatever decision you make, make it to protect your pastures."
Pat Guptill, rancher, Quinn, SD
Videos from our experts
In this series of video interviews and presentations, you can learn more from your fellow ranchers and rangeland specialists about drought planning, mitigation and the tools available to help you.
Resources by ranchers for ranchers
Developing a drought plan
Developing a drought plan
Developing a drought plan
Rain or shine, a drought plan can 'save your grass.'
Technical assistance
Developing a drought plan
Developing a drought plan
Learn where to get rangeland planning technical assistance in your county.
Drought mitigation options
Drought mitigation options
Drought mitigation options
Learn about business management options to help your ranch weather a protracted drought.
Getting help with stress
Drought mitigation options
Drought mitigation options
Drought creates stress on more than just animals and rangeland. It creates stress on you. Learn how to manage that stress.
“I don't see any way around the fact that we’re going to have less forage this year than last year. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition is trying to help people get in touch with mentor ranchers and grassland planners with experience in planning for drought.
Jim Faulstich, Daybreak Ranch, Highmore, South Dakota
Key information
Below are links to other key drought decision-making resources
Drought Planning Tools: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/sd/technical/landuse/pasture/
Trigger Dates: https://extension.sdstate.edu/trigger-dates-critical-decisions-drought-management
SDSU Extension Feed & Forage Finder (Facebook Page):https://www.facebook.com/groups/560422267324542/
Climate and Weather: https://extension.sdstate.edu/agriculture/climate-and-weather
Grazing Calculator: https://extension.sdstate.edu/grazing-calculator
Culling decisions: https://extension.sdstate.edu/culling-decisions-due-drought
SD Soil Health Coalition Grazing Exchange: https://www.sdgrazingexchange.com/.
We're here to help
We can't control the weather, but our ranchers and technical experts have real-life experience in preparing for the worst that Mother Nature can throw our way. Click below to tell us what you need.
