Managing and Protecting Grasslands for the Future

Jun 25, 2021

By Pete Bauman

Grasslands are a valuable resource for South Dakota, and many of our core industries rely on the perpetuation of healthy grasslands for agriculture, recreation and tourism. In addition, many other natural resources, such as wildlife and water quality are intrinsically tied to grassland health. Healthy grasslands serve as a model for soil health, and much can be learned about carbon sequestration, organic matter and water infiltration through the careful study of the function of grassland systems.

While the majority of South Dakota’s grasslands are managed for consumptive use under renewable and sustainable strategies, such as haying and grazing, others are managed for non-consumptive uses, such as hunting, recreation or aesthetics.

Regardless of goals and objectives, many grassland landowners desire assistance with short and long-term grassland management goals. The South Dakota Grassland Coalition has strong ties to federal, state and local service providers, as well as public institutions and private range consultants geared to assist the grassland manager. This network provides multiple educational opportunities, including mentorship and technical assistance by resource professionals. Certain partners can provide services that include planning, technical assistance and cost-share with infrastructure ,such as fence and water systems, while others may provide a variety of short-term, long-term and permanent options for grassland conservation and protection.

With these resources readily available, there is no time like the present to establish a successful grass management plan that ensures current and future success!

Source : sdstate.edu

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.