Source: SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY submitted to
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY EXTENSION RREA PROGRAM
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
TERMINATED
Funding Source
RREA
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0231752
Grant No.
(N/A)
Project No.
SD00N454-12
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Program Code
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2011
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2016
Grant Year
(N/A)
Project Director
Dunn, BA.
Recipient Organization
SOUTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY
PO BOX 2275A
BROOKINGS,SD 57007
Performing Department
Cooperative Extension Service
Non Technical Summary
South Dakota ranks 5th in the nation in the number of beef cattle, and 6th in sheep production. These two components of the state's agricultural industry account for $2 billion in sales, or over 20% of the state's total cash receipts (South Dakota Agricultural Statistics, 2012). Rangelands and pasture lands are critical in ensuring the sustainability of the over 16,000 ranching operations across the state that depend on them for grazing. In addition, rangelands are invaluable to the general public, providing water, minerals, open spaces, opportunities for recreation, and a way to preserve American and western heritage. Grasslands of the Northern Great Plains, including South Dakota, have long been recognized as an ecosystem at high risk. Conservation of this resource is best ensured through the prosperity of private land ranching. With approximately 22 million acres of South Dakota's rangeland under private ownership, it is critical that landowners and managers have a thorough understanding of best management practices in order to improve long-term rangeland health, utilization, and productivity. Important considerations in development of best management practices include analysis of range condition, knowledge of the ecology of range and pasture systems, and scientific principles guiding response of rangelands to various management strategies. The South Dakota State University RREA project will work with the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition, state and federal agencies, and other partners to provide educational programs and materials for landowners. Overall objectives are to increase producer knowledge of range management strategies and increase adoption of practices that will improve overall range condition and increase economic benefits from enterprises depending on the rangeland resource.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
1210799302080%
8010799302010%
9030799302010%
Knowledge Area
801 - Individual and Family Resource Management; 903 - Communication, Education, and Information Delivery; 121 - Management of Range Resources;

Subject Of Investigation
0799 - Rangelands and grasslands, general;

Field Of Science
3020 - Education;
Goals / Objectives
Privately-owned and managed rangelands in South Dakota account for over 50% of the state's total land mass at approximately 22 million acres. Sustainable and profitable management strategies are critical in maintaining viability of the over 22,000 farms and ranches that depend on native pasture and rangelands to support livestock operations, provide wildlife habitat, promote healthy riparian areas, and contribute to a safe and reliable water supply. The goals of this project are to promote grazing land management and best management practices through a variety of educational events including grazing schools, tours, participation in a variety of public events such as trade shows and conferences, and individual consultations with landowners and land managers. SDSU will maintain collaboration with the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition, local Conservation Districts, the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and other partners to develop relevant educational programs to address stakeholder needs. According to the U.S. Census of Agriculture (2007), the average age of agricultural operators in South Dakota was 53.7 years, with over 22% aged 65 and older. Thus, the development of programming to address issues related to intergenerational land transfer will be a priority area. Another priority area will be to enhance outreach activities for Native American ranchers and land resource managers on reservation lands.
Project Methods
Project personnel from South Dakota State University Extension, the SD Grasslands Coalition, tribal entities, and federal and state agency partners will develop educational programs and materials to address project goals. Historical data, survey results, and information generated through research activities will be utilized in development of events, activities, and products. Producers and land managers will be able to apply this information to make land management decisions that will help monitor rangeland condition, improve utilization of rangeland resources, and enhance economic returns. State Extension Specialists will also provide professional development opportunities focused on technical knowledge of rangeland management techniques for Extension Field Specialists and other agency personnel, land managers, and advisors, who will then expand the impact of this project by providing local and regional training. Current range and weather conditions will be monitored and educational materials will reflect best practices for rangeland and pasture management specific to the situation. Evaluations will be conducted through pre-/post- testing methods, informal interviews with stakeholders, testimonials, and educator observations of best management practices in practice by landowners. Rancher-based learning communities will be facilitated to engage and augment peer-to-peer training.

Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/16

Outputs
Target Audience:The target audience includes private grassland oweners and operators, managers, and advisors from local, state, and federal land management agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The general audience also includes scientists and the general public. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Increased knowledge on how to utilize cheat grass at a field day in Tripp County (Mr. Dice). April 5, 2016 Increased knowledge on grazing strategies for cool season invasive grasses broadcasted state-wide. This is on-going and continous throughout 2016. SDSU Extension and rancher Sara Grim from Bonesteel, met with rancher Dave Steffen and SD Grassland Coalition member at Grim's Ranch in this meeting ranchers gained knowledge on pasture utilization and prescribed burning. May 15, 2016 and October 7, 2016 May 2016. SDSU Extension met with Martin Bruce producer from Cedar Butte, SD at his ranch. Outcome: Martin is now knowledgeable on basic rangeland monitoring techniques for his ranch. May 2016. Cottonwood Research Station. Native American Beginning Farm/Ranch Program. Topic: Ecological sites. Outcome: 16 students increased their knowledge on identifying the importance of ecological sites on rangeland. May 2016. Class taught in Cottonwood Research Station for the Native American Beginning Farm/Ranch Program. Topic was range monitoring. Outcome: 16 students increased their knowledge on the importance of rangeland monitoring. June 2016. SDSU Extension participated of the Bison Workshop at the Triple 7 ranch in Hermosa. Outcome: Training on bison management that was shared with SDSU colleagues. SDSU Extension secured western SD funding for mapping project - $25,000 TNC, $25,000 NGPJV, $35,000 NRCS, $35,000 SDGF. Total Western SD funding to date $120,000. SDSU Extension authored a $200K NFWF grant on behalf of the Grassland Coalition and work behind the scenes to help them administer the grant SDSU Extension developed an Executive staff position for the SD Grassland Coalition authoring both the pre-proposal and the actual $300,000 grant to NFWF for the position; soliciting funding from partner organizations and foundations; developing the bulk of the position description; developing the bulk of the interview questions; serving on the hiring committee; conducting interviews. (see attached documents) July 1, 2016. Cottonwood Research Station for Native American Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program. Fourteen students learned how to calculate stocking rates. July 5, 2016. Through a radio interview with Pam Geppert listeners learned strategies and financial considerations with livestock grazing distribution. July 8, 2016. Gregory/Tripp Counties 4-H activities at first annual youth range plant ID workshop in Gregory County; increased the knowledge of 14 youth who learned range plant ID in the field at Burke Lake. July 27-28. Rosebud 4-H program help develop first annual youth range workshop on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. Increased knowledge on plant ID of 35 youth from the Boys and Girls Club of Mission and Rosebud. Several hundred ranchers were made aware of techniques for range monitoring August 15-18, 2016. DakotaFest in Mitchell, SD. September 7, 2016. Jane Stoterau rancher from Hot Springs increased her awareness about rangeland monitoring systems and plant identification. September 12-16, 2016. Through a class on ranch inventory at the South Dakota Grazing School in Oacoma, SD 35 attendees increased their knowledge on the importance and how to conduct ranch inventories. October 5, 2016. Radio interview with Pam Geppert created statewide awareness of youth range camps and how to contact SDSU Extension to help organize youth range camps across South Dakota. October 6, 2016. Grim's burn tour in Bonesteel, SD. Helped increase the awareness of 35 people in attendance and learned about the importance of prescribed fire in cedar tree control. Tours: July 1, Ideal, SD, 125 in attendance attendees increase their awareness of rangeland conservation issues Rangeland Days June 23-24 (Chamberlain, SD, 150 in attendance) attendees gained knowledge on conservancy issues. Allan Savory lecture and ranch tour (September 10-11, Brookings and Hayti, SD) Over 900 people in attendance increased their knowledge of sustainable ranching practices. South Dakota Grasslands Coalition Winter Road Show and Annual Meeting (December 10-12, Chamberlain, SD. Over 125 people in attendance increased their knowledge on grassland management. An e-mail listserv continues to increase the knowledge of approximately 700 ranchers and agency personnel o grassland management, fire, and conservation information. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, in partnership with South Dakota State University, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and others, developed the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, which is a collective effort to increase the knowledge to attain long-term agricultural production and maintain and improve soil health and diversity. SDSU Extension Range Team continued to provide direction for educational outreach and management to the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition (SDGC). SDSU attended SDGC board meetings, managed the SDGC website (7,300 site visits and 18,250 page views annually), and published the Grassroots newsletter which is distributed to over 400 members. SDSU Extension personnel provided instruction to adults in plant identification and range assessment for "Professionals Range Camp," a new initiative parallel to youth Range Camp that was held June 3-5 in Sturgis, SD. SDSU Extension personnel represented South Dakota on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and Grazing Associations Working group to facilitate dialogue regarding the MOU between the U.S. Forest Service and permittees, has increased the knowledge of those that participated of the discussions. Guidance to the South Dakota Grassland Coalition (SDGC) Board of Directors in grassland management outreach programing has increased their knowledge on the topic. Through managing SDGC website which has averaged 20 unique visits per day and 75 page views per day which equal 7,300 unique visits and 27,000 page views per year the knowledge of those visiting the site is constantly increasing. Awareness has been increased through sending 6 newsletters to approximately 550 SDGC members. Attended the National Land and Range Judging contest in Oklahoma City, OK May 1-5, 2016 about 30 SD high school students participated in learning range plant ID, range management, and soils. Annual Bird Tour June 10-11, 2016 approximately 70 participants learning about rangeland bird habitat management Rangeland Days June 21-22, 2016 approximately 100 youth learning about range management Leopold Conservation Award tour June 29, 2016 approximately 150 participants learned about soil health and rangeland management. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated throughscientific journal articles, presentations at scientific meetings, articles in popular press publications, electronnic media (www.iGrow.org), webinars, "hands-on" workshops and training events, and individual consultations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Funding pressure will continue to diminish opportunities for direct contact with target audiences. This will require the ability to adapt and increase emphasis on "remote deliver" techniques such as electronic publications and development of instructional vido delivered online.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A variety of educational events and outreach tours/field days were held throughout the year including the following: West Regional FFA Land and Range Eval. - Sept 2015 - Wall 120 Attendees Central Region FFA Land and Range Eval. - Sept 2015- Wessington Springs, 260 Attendees NE Region FFA Land and Range Eval. - Sept, 2015 - Webster 235 Attendees SDGC Winter Road Show with D. Pratt - Dec. 2015 Belle Fourche 45 Attendees SDGC Winter Road Show with J. Gerrish - Feb. 2016 New Underwood 60 Attendees SD Rangeland/Soils Days - June 2016 - Wall, 125 Attendees Reddick Ranch Tour - July 2016 - St. Onge, 30 Attendees SDGC Road Show with G. Judy - Sept. 2016 - Faith, 96 Attendees Butte County Range Tour - Oct. 2016 - area ranches - 32 Attendees Annie's Project in Presho. June 2016. Topic grazing and cover crops. 24 Attendees SDSU Extension teaches range plant ID at Soil and Range Days event in Wall. 150 Attendees Two fire training classes: 35 Attendees One fire effects tour: 40 Attendees 10 tours/events/workshops: 400 Attendees 5 classroom workshops: 100 Attendees 1. Events May 2016. Cottonwood Research Station. Native American Beginning Farm/Ranch Program. May 2016. Class taught in Cottonwood Research Station for Native American Beginning Farm/Ranch Program. Topic was range monitoring. June 2016. SDSU Extension participated of the Bison Workshop at the Triple 7 ranch in Hermosa. June 23-24, Rangeland Days Chamberlain, SD, 150 in attendance September 10-11, Brookings and Hayti, SD, Allan Savory lecture and ranch tour over 900 in attendance December 10-12, Chamberlain, SD, South Dakota Grasslands Coalition Winter Road Show and Annual Meeting 125 in attendance. Botany and Ecology Workshop entitled "Prescribed Fire on Private Lands in South Dakota". 6 talks/seminars 100 in attandance March 12, 2015 2. Services SDSU Extension provided technical assistance to 4-H & FFA Range and Land Teams. National Competition in Oklahoma City. May 2016 - 55 attendees One-on-one meetings 1). Michael Dice Tripp County. Assistance with plant ID and early mob grazing of pastures to deal with cheat grass. Outcome: strategy helped utilize cheat grass. April 5, 2015 2). Jorgensen Ranch in Ideal, SD with other colleagues from SDSU and NRCS for training on the crop/livestock integration SARE grant. April 2016. Outcome: Formed team with Steve Higgins from Winner NRCS and J. Davis SDSU Extension. Three visits to Jorgensen's during 2016 and report findings to SARE. Outcome: Grazing strategies for cool season invasive grasses broadcasted state-wide. 4).SDSU Extension and rancher Sara Grim from Bonesteel, met with rancher Dave Steffen and SD Grassland Coalition member at Grim's Ranch. Pasture utilization and prescribed burning was discussed. May 2016. 5).SDSU Extension met with Martin Bruce producer from Cedar Butte, SD at his ranch. Martin was assisted with setting up a rangeland monitoring system on his ranch. Outcome: Martin now familiar with basic rangeland monitoring techniques for his ranch. May 2016. 6). Secure western SD funding for mapping project - $25,000 TNC, $25,000 NGPJV, $35,000 NRCS, $35,000 SDGF. Total Western SD funding to date $120,000. 7). Delivered 8 presentations to approximately 200 attendeees (National Society for Range Management annual conference, SD Society for Range Management annual meeting, SD Chapter of the Wildlife Society annual meeting, Prairie Pothole Joint Venture, SD NRCS State Technical Committee, SD NRM seminar series, EROS Data Center, North Central Region Water Network.) 8). Attended Landsat and LCMAP training with my team at EROS Data Center July 26-28, 2016 Continued long-term monitoring of forage production at the Abbey Grasslands project near Marvin. 9). About 10 on-ranch consultations. 10).Worked with the new Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burning Association on burn unit design, safety, fire effects, and outreach. Spring and Summer of 2016 11). SD Grassland Coalition support. 12). 2016 Bird Tour, Grazing Schools, and speaker series included Jim Gerrish, Dave Pratt, and Greg Judy. Roughly 500 individuals attended these events. 13). Authored a $200K NFWF grant on behalf of the coalition and work behind the scenes to help them administer the grant 14).Development of an Executive staff position for the SD Grassland Coalition, including: authoring both the pre-proposal and the actual $300,000 grant to NFWF for the position; soliciting funding from partner organizations and foundations; developing the bulk of the position description; developing the bulk of the interview questions; serving on the hiring committee; conducting interviews. (see attached documents) 15). SDSU Extension represented the SDGC at the Sustainable Ranching Initiative working group meeting hosted by the World Wildlife Fund in Bozeman, MT.February 10, 2016 Serve on the Board of Directors for the Great Plains Fire Science Exchange. 16). Landowner Services: Approximately 20 on farm visits Average 3-5 calls per week from producers primarily seeking general advice on grazing management, CRP and habitat management, fire management, and cover/forage crops. 110 landowners in email database where more specific information has been exchanged or advice given and follow up is necessary or expected 55 landowners with ongoing relationships that warranted creation of a file folder in my 'producer contacts' database. 17). Society for Range Management Organized and hosted Dean and Connie Hunt Excellence in Range Management Tour and Ray Effling Conservation Stewardship Plan Grazing and Cover Crop tour. July 19, 2016 18). General SDSU Extension/NRM support: Dakotafest: Rainfall Simulator, Rangeland and Soil Health (3 days) August 16-18, 2016 19). Invasive species: Provided the SDDA with guided tour of historic leafy spurge biological control success in Deuel County for their annual Supervisors Bus Tour.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. Grassfed Beef Labeling Issues. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/grass-fed-beef-labeling-issues/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. SDDA offers Sensitive Site Registry for those wishing to avoid chemical drift onto sensitive areas. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/sdda-sensitive-site-registry-protecting-sensitive-areas-from-chemical-drift/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. Focus on Grazing Management, not Grazing Systems. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/focus-on-grazing-management-not-grazing-systems/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. Drought Planning Made Easier With Updated South Dakota Drought Tool. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/updated-sd-drought-tool-drought-planning-made-easier/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. Diversity and Partnerships are Keys to Preventing Endangered Species Impacts. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/agronomy/land-water-wildlife/diversity-and-partnerships-are-keys-to-preventing-endangered-species-impact/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Jim Gerrish Featured in Grassland Coalition Winter Road Show February 15-18. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Focus on Grazing Management, not Grazing Systems. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Sensitive Site Registry Offers Opportunity to Avoid Unwanted Chemical Drift for Landowners and Applicators Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Summer Range Education, Tours, and Events: Something for Everyone in 2016. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Leafy Spurge Biocontrol Season is here. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Managing Pastures in Drought. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Capturing and Keeping Pasture Rainfall. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Time to Prepare For Spring Fire Season. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P.J. Leafy Spurge Biocontrol Season is Here. SDSU Extension iGrow (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/leafy-spurge-biocontrol-season-is-here/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Another Successful South Dakota Grazing School. Watertown Public Opinion and Farm Forum Newspapers
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Soil health on rangelands: Nutrient cycle. (http://igrow.org/livestock/land-water-wildlife/soil-health-on-rangelands-nutrient-cycle/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Soil health on rangelands: Water cycle. (http://igrow.org/livestock/land-water-wildlife/soil-health-on-rangelands-water-cycle/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Soil health on rangelands: Biotic state. (http://igrow.org/livestock/land-water-wildlife/soil-health-on-rangelands-biotic-state/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. . Soil health on rangelands: Energy flow. (http://igrow.org/livestock/land-water-wildlife/soil-health-on-rangelands-energy-flow/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Beadle County Conservation District Demonstration Farm: Improving soil health. (http://igrow.org/agronomy/land-water-wildlife/beadle-county-conservation-district-demonstration-farm-improving-soil-healt/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Understanding Conservation Easements. (http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/understanding-conservation-easements/)
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016.SDSU Research Update: Extending the grazing season. Grassroots 18(1):7. Available online at: http://www.sdgrass.org/uploads/1/8/6/5/18654664/january_2016.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Range 101: Plant succession a history lesson. Grassroots 18(2):1. Available online at: http://www.sdgrass.org/uploads/1/8/6/5/18654664/march_2016.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Other Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, S. 2016. Range 101: Grazing resistance. Grassroots 18(3):1. Available online at: http://www.sdgrass.org/uploads/1/8/6/5/18654664/may_2016.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Range 101: Grazing distribution. Grassroots 18(4):1, 3. http://www.sdgrass.org/uploads/1/8/6/5/18654664/july_2016.pdf
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2016 Citation: Bauman, P. J., B. Carlson, and T. Butler. August 2016. Quantifying Undisturbed (Native) Lands in Eastern South Dakota: 2013. 110pp.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2016 Citation: Smart, A.J., L.B. Perkins, T.N. Schramm, M.J. Nelson, P.J. Bauman, S.A. Clay, and D.E. Clay. 2016. The effects of patch-burn grazing on vegetation structural heterogeneity in the northern tallgrass prairie of South Dakota. Great Plains Research 26:57-70


Progress 10/01/14 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:Target audiences include private grassland owners and operators, managers, and advisors from local, state, and federal land management agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?SD SRM Annual Meeting, 2-8 Feb, Sacramento, CA Black Hills Area Botanist & Ecologist Workshop, 7 Mar, Rapid City, SD SDSU Extension Spring Conference, 14-15 May, Brookings, SD SD Stockgrowers Annual Convention, 27-28 Sep, Rapid City SD SD SRM Annual Meeting, 3-4 Oct, Brookings, SD How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Results were disseminated through scientific journal articles, presentations at scientific meetings, articles in popular press publications, electronic media (www.iGrow.org), webinars, "hands-on" workshops and training events, and individual consultations What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Funding pressure will continue to diminish opportunities for direct contact with target audiences. This will require the ability to adapt and increase emphasis on "remote delivery" techniques such as electronic publications and development of instructional video delivered online.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? A variety of educational events and outreach tours/field days were held throughout the year, including Ag at the Pavilion (March 20-21, Sioux Falls, SD, 300 K-12 students in attendance); Bird Tour (June 5-6, Marvin, SD, 40 in attendance); Leopold Tour (July 1, Ideal, SD, 125 in attendance); Rangeland Days (June 23-24, Chamberlain, SD,150 in attendance); the Allan Savory lecture and ranch tour (September 10-11, Brookings and Hayti, SD, over 900 in attendance)and the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition Winter Road Show and Annual Meeting (December 10-12, Chamberlain, SD, 125 in attendance). An e-mail listserv continues toassist in disseminating grassland management, fire, and conservation information to approximately 700 producers and agencypersonnel. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition, in partnership with South Dakota State University, Natural Resource Conservation Service, andothers, developed the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, which is a collective effort to sustain long-term agricultural production and maintain and improve soil health and diversity. SDSU Extension Range Team continued to provide direction for educational outreach and management to the South Dakota Grasslands Coalition (SDGC). SDSU attended SDGCboard meetings, managed the SDGC website (7,300 site visits and 18,250 page views annually), and published the Grassroots newsletter which is distributed to over 400 members. SDSU Extension personnel provided instruction to adults in plant identification and range assessment for "Professionals Range Camp," a new initiative parallel to youth Range Camp that was held June 3-5 in Sturgis, SD. SDSU Extension personnel represented South Dakota on the Dakota Prairie Grasslands and Grazing Associations Working group to facilitate dialogue regarding the MOU between the U.S. Forest Service and permittees.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Johnson, P.S., K.C. Olson, R.N. Gates, H.H. Patterson, M. Hubert, D.G. Landblom, J.J Kincheloe, H.A. Richter, and A.V. Grove. 2015. Early weaning reduces rangeland herbage disappearance. Crop, Forage & Turfgrass Management. doi:10.2134/cftm2014.0090
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Misar, C.G., Lan Xu, R.N. Gates, A.A. Boe, and P.S. Johnson. 2015. Stand persistence and forage yield of 11 alfalfa (Medicago sativa) populations in semiarid rangeland. Range Ecol. Manage. 68:79-85.
  • Type: Book Chapters Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, A., J.A. Walker, and R.N. Gates. 2015. Setting the stocking rate. Chapter 52. In: R.A. Nold and G.A Perry (Eds.), iGrow Beef: Best management practices for cow-calf production. Brookings, SD: SDSU Extension  iGrow, South Dakota State University. Available online at: http://igrow.org/catalog/books/.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Chowanski, K. and R. Gates. 2015. Identifying relationships between long-term grazing practices and resource condition in a western pine forest. Proc. 68th Annual Meeting. Society for Range Management, February 1-6, 2015, Sacramento, CA.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Hanson, A., Lan Xu, A. Boe, R.N. Gates, and P.S. Johnson. 2015. Characterization of seedling physiological traits of eleven alfalfa populations for drought tolerance. Proc. 68th Annual Meeting. Society for Range Management, February 1-6, 2015, Sacramento, CA
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Turner, B.L., R.N. Gates, G.K. Hoogestraat and A.J. Smart. 2015. Ranch management strategies for coping with impacts of watershed-scale externalities. Black Hills Area Botanist and Ecologist Workshop, 12 March 2015. Rapid City, SD.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Gates, R.N. and J. Walker. 2015. Outstanding stewardship by the Rock Hills Ranch in north central South Dakota. http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/outstanding-stewardship-by-the-rock-hills-ranch-in-north-central-south-dako/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Gates, R.N. 2015. Rotational Grazing during winter. http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/rotational-grazing-during-winter/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Gates, R.N. 2015. Anticipating grasshopper impact for the grazing season. http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/anticipating-grasshopper-impact-for-the-grazing-season/
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Johnson, Pat and R.N. Gates. 2015. Spring turn-out dates: What are your options? http://igrow.org/livestock/beef/spring-turn-out-dates-what-are-your-options/
  • Type: Other Status: Submitted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Turner, B., and R. N. Gates. 2014. Grassland conservation should remain high priority. Grassroots. 16(7):1-2.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Bauman, P. 2015. The green side up. Grassroots. 17(3):7.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, S. Sustainable agriculture. Grassroots. 17(1):4-6.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, S. 2015. Soil health on rangelands. Grassroots 17(2):1-2.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, S. 2015. Soil health on rangelands: energy flow. Grassroots 17(3):1-3.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, S. 2015. Soil health on rangelands: biotic state. Grassroots 17(4):1-3.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2015 Citation: Smart, S. 2015. Soil health on rangelands: water cycling. Grassroots 17(5):1-2.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include private grassland owners and operators, managers, and advisors from local, state, and federal land management agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Small acreage owners/operators and rural real estate agents are a secondary audience. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? SDSU Systems Thinking Workshop, 8-10 July, Brookings, SD SRM Annual Meeting, 2-8 Feb, Oklahoma City, OK Black Hills Area Botanist & Ecologist Workshop, 7 Mar, Rapid City, SD SDSU Extension Spring Conference, 14-15 May, Brookings America's Grassland Conference, 13-14 Aug, Manhattan, KS Association of National Grasslands, 4 Sep, Deadwood SD Stockgrowers Annual Convention, 27-28 Sep, Rapid City SD SRM Annual Meeting, 3-4 Oct, Chamberlain SISMA Annual Meeting, 18-Nov, Oacoma Range Beef Cow Symposium, 3-5 Dec, Rapid City How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Results were disseminated through scientific journal articles, presentations at scientific meetings, articles in popular press publications, electronic media (www.iGrow.org), webinars, "hands-on" workshops and training events, and individual consultations. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Funding pressure will continue to diminish opportunities for direct contact with target audiences. This will require the ability to adapt and increase emphasis on "remote delivery" techniques such as electronic publications and development of instructional video delivered online.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Success of the SD Grazing School led SD NRCS administrators to require attendance at the School by livestock producers qualifying for Conservation Stewardship Program contracts for grazinglands they manage. Success of the SD Grazing School is also reflected in the inquiries received from other states by the SD Grasslands Coalition Board about how to conduct similar training events. As a result of the SD Grazing School, more than 300 ranchers and managers have been trained, representing management influence on more than one million acres of grazingland. Fifteen ranchers received intensive training in rangeland monitory (Land EKG). All participants indicated they would begin developing monitoring plans. One participant has provided photo point images documenting the reduction in bare ground resulting from his ongoing grazing management. More than 500 participants at the Range Beef Cow Symposium heard the “success story” of the Wind Ranch, describing the financial and advisory support they have received and the benefit to their ranch operation resulting from the cooperative relationships that have been established with SDSU Extension and state and federal conservation agencies. More than 25 agricultural lenders and land assessors were introduced to the basic concepts of rangeland management in 2013. Their skills in plant identification and ecological site assessment have been enhanced and they have been exposed to a variety of ranching environments across the state. Their appreciation of challenges faced by producers, such as drought, fire and grasshoppers, has been increased. Interaction with Native American producers continues as a result of previously completed outreach projects, particularly on the Pine Ridge Reservation. Periodic inquiries for range management information are fielded and answered.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Hubert, M.B., Bott, R.C., R.N. Gates, and P.N. Nester. 2013. Development and branding of educational programs to meet the needs of small acreage owners in South Dakota. Journal of the NACAA. http://www.nacaa.com/journal/index.php?jid=224
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Turner, B.L., R. Gates, T. Nichols, M. Wuellner, B.H. Dunn and L.O. Tedeschi. 2013. An investigation into land use changes and consequences in the Northern Great Plains using systems thinking and dynamics. Proc. 31st International Conf. System Dynamics Soc. July 21  25, Cambridge, MA.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: 3. Turner, B.L., Wuellner, M., Nichols, T., Dunn, B.H., Gates, R. 2014. Dueling land ethics: Uncovering agricultural stakeholder mental models to better understand recent land use conversion. J. Agric. Environ. Ethics.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Xu, L., C.G. Misar, R.N. Gates, A. Boe and P.S. Johnson. 2014 Survival and performance of 11 alfalfa (Medicago sativa) populations in semiarid rangeland. Rangeland Ecology Manage.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Submitted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Walker, J.A., G.A. Perry, R. Salverson, P. Nester, J.E. Held, E.E. Grings, K.C. Olson, R.N. Gates and C.S. Schauer. 2013. Evaluating glycerin supplementation on reproductive performance of sheep. J. Anim. Sci.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wind, A., S. Wind, M. Stoltenberg, M. Faulkner, S. Fairbairn, T. Berdan and R. Gates. 2013. Integrating conservation programs into rangeland management. Proc. Range Beef Cow Symp. XXIII, December 3-5, 2013, Rapid City, SD.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Producers, agency advisors, grassland managers, acreage owners, realtors Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Hands-on workshops and training events, phone and email responses, iGrow (SDSU Extension web) articles, popular press columns What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue training in drought planning using regional meetings; continue SD Grazing School for producers and advisors; initiate regional training for drought planning; pursue funding to support development of Cummulative Forage Index mobile app and provide training; maintain close coordination with educational activities of the SD Grasslands Coalition

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Beginning ranchers learned about alternative production options, including intensive grass management; producers/ag advisors were trained in drought planning development; beginning ranchers developed vision statements which considered resource management; and realtors were trained in appropriate grassland management, particularly as applied to acreage managers.

Publications

  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Davis, J., B.H. Dunn, A. Arzeno, M. Beutler, and R.N. Gates. 2012. Sustaining the Legacy: Management and Wealth Transfer Planning for Ranches. 2nd Edition. SDSU Extension. 48 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/07-2006-2012.pdf.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Koch, K., E. Mousel, E. Cortus, R. Gates, and R. Bott. 2012. Equine pasture maintenance and renovation for South Dakota. SDSU Extension. 7 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/02-2042-2012.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Smart, A.J., R.N. Gates and B.H. Dunn. 2012. Drought and stocking rate effects on forage yield from western South Dakota rangelands. SDSU Extension. 3 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/02-2045-2012.pdf


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences reached through this program include land owners and land managers, government agency personnel (NRCS, Conservation Districts, etc.), grassland managers, and realtors specializing in acreage properties. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Hands-on workshops and training events, phone and email responses, iGrow (SDSU Extension website) articles, popular press columns What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue training in drought planning using regional meetings; continue SD Grazing School for producers and advisors; initiate regional training for drought planning; pursue funding to support development of Cummulative Forage Index mobile app and provide training; maintain close coordination with educational activities of the SD Grasslands Coalition

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Beginning rancherslearned about alternative production options, including intensive grass management; producers/ag advisors were trained in drought planning development; beginning ranchers developed vision statements which considered resource management; realtors were trained in appropriate grassland management, particularly as applied to acreage managers

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Smart, A.J., R.N. Gates, P.S. Johnson and R. Schafer. 2012. Summer and winter defoliation impacts on mixed-grass rangeland. Rangeland Ecology & Manage. 65:506515.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gates, R.N. 2012. Grazing Management of Northern Great Plains Grasslands. Presentation to students and faculty in the Department of Pratacultural Science (Grassland Science), part of the College of Animal Science and Technology at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, 5 June, 2012, Yangling, China.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gaughan, B.J., L. Xu, R.N. Gates, Arvid Boe, P.S. Johnson and Y. Wu. 2012. Seedling root development of six alfalfa populations. Proc. SD Acad. Sci. 91: XX. Abstr. #12-74.
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2011 Citation: Beutler, M., Gates, R. and B. Helbig. 2011. Grasshopper Outlook on Rangelands: 2011. SD Coop. Ext. Serv. ExEx5081. 5 p. http://pubstorage.sdstate.edu/AgBio_Publications/articles/exex5081.pdf
  • Type: Books Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Davis, J., B.H. Dunn, A. Arzeno, M. Beutler, and R.N. Gates. 2012. Sustaining the Legacy: Management and Wealth Transfer Planning for Ranches. 2nd Edition. SDSU Extension. 48 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/07-2006-2012.pdf
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Koch, K., E. Mousel, E. Cortus, R. Gates, and R. Bott. 2012. Equine pasture maintenance and renovation for South Dakota. SDSU Extension. 7 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/02-2042-2012.pdf
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gates, R.N. 2012. Yellow Flowered Alfalfa Research. Presentation to students and faculty in the Department of Pratacultural Science (Grassland Science), part of the College of Animal Science and Technology at Northwest Agriculture and Forestry University, 7 June, 2012, Yangling, China.
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Burnette, S.M., A. J. Symstad and R.N. Gates. 2012. Saltcedar on the Great Plains: Seed ecology considerations. Proc. 65th Annual Meeting. Society for Range Management (January 27- February 2, 2012).
  • Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Gaughan, B.J., Lan Xu, R.N. Gates, A.A. Boe, P.S. Johnson and Yajun Wu. 2012. Seedling root morphology of six alfalfa populations. Proc. 65th Annual Meeting. Society for Range Management (January 27- February 2, 2012).
  • Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2012 Citation: Smart, A.J., R.N. Gates and B.H. Dunn. 2012. Drought and stocking rate effects on forage yield from western South Dakota rangelands. SDSU Extension. 3 p. http://igrow.org/up/resources/02-2045-2012.pdf