South Dakota Grazing Exchange
South Dakota Soil Health Coalition
Introduction
The South Dakota Grazing Exchange was created to connect livestock producers and those with available cropland or forage to graze by utilizing an interactive map while providing important resources. Integrating livestock onto cropland and proper grassland management are key steps in increasing overall soil health.
How to Apply:
Visit sdgrazingexchange.com and create an account. Once your account is created, you can place pins of available land or livestock for grazing. Interact with other pins on the map to find a connection near you for available land or livestock.
Links & Resources:
Contact Information:
Back To All ResourcesThe Details
Why do we want to return livestock to the landscape?
- Fall or winter grazing converts high carbon annual crop residue to low carbon organic material; balancing the carbon/nitrogen ratio and managing crop rotation residue for no-till seeding.
- Spring or summer grazing, annual and/or perennial plants, with short exposure periods followed by long recovery periods; allows the plants to regrow and harvest additional sunlight and CO2.
- Reduces nutrient export from our cropland and hayland fields, recycling the majority of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and carbon.
- Aids in weed pressure management.
- Grazing cover crops and/or crop residues allows livestock to be taken off perennial grasslands earlier in the fall, extending the grass recovery period, and providing a higher nutrition diet for livestock.
- Grazing reduces livestock waste associated with confinement; helping manage our water quality and nutrient management concerns. Allowing cattle and sheep to be herbivores by securing their energy needs from plants.
How do we return livestock to the landscape?
- Fall and Winter grazing of cover crops and annual crop residues.
- Summer grazing of full season cover crop, allowing adequate plant recovery, followed by a second grazing during the fall or winter.
- Winter feeding on hayland fields by rolling out bales or bale grazing.
- Seeding rotational perennials, grazing and managing them as part of the crop rotation.
Who’s Eligible?
Anyone is able to use the grazing exchange, free of charge. While titled “South Dakota Grazing Exchange”, there are no boundaries. Producers nearing state borders may use the map and place pins outside of state lines if needed.
