Mid-June Forage Production Report and Outlook
Closer to July 1, South Dakota is less likely to catch up to "normal" in certain areas of the state.
Huron, SD, June 23, 2025 – South Dakota (SD) Grassland Productivity Map conditions have changed across the state since last updated on June 1. These maps, produced through the SD Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Drought Tool, will be updated only one more time, reporting conditions as of July 1.
The "current status" map compares precipitation we have received to the average precipitation from the last two years. May and June have brought SD a much-needed drink of water across the state and conditions have improved greatly.
The “forecasted” map shows what peak forage production is predicted to look like if the remaining time between now and July 1 has average rainfall. As we get closer to July 1, we are less likely to catch up to "normal" in certain areas of the state.
Some parts of the state have been brought back to normal conditions, while others are still having a precipitation deficit compared to normal. Future moisture may set warm season forages up for success, however, most of our cool season forages are nearly done producing for the year. Consider speeding up your rotations or accessing alternative forages to give cool season-dominated pastures a rest if they are not looking good. Use the SD Grazing Exchange to see if there are any alternative forages (cover crops) available in your area!
For more information about Grassland events in your area, visit the SD Grassland Initiative’s Calendar of Events, where events for learners of all ages are posted.
The following resources are also available:
SD NRCS Range and Pasture page: bit.ly/Range_Pasture
South Dakota Grassland Coalition Drought Planning website: sddroughtplan.org/
National Drought Mitigation Center: drought.unl.edu/ranchplan/Monitor.aspx
National Integrated Drought Information System: drought.gov/
U.S. Drought Monitor: droughtmonitor.unl.edu
South Dakota State University Extension Drought Resources: extension.sdstate.edu/drought
SD Growing Resilience Web page: www.growingresiliencesd.com
SD Grazing Exchange: www.sdgrazingexchange.com
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