By Scout Nelson
South Dakota's agricultural community faces a challenging start to the 2025 grazing season, marked by ongoing drought conditions and below-average soil moisture levels. Since October 2024, much of the state has received less than half the usual rainfall, leading to depleted soil moisture essential for spring pasture growth.
The Evaporative Demand Drought Index (EDDI) as of late March 2025 indicates worsening conditions, with warm temperatures and insufficient precipitation accelerating soil dryness. Particularly in Lemmon, South Dakota, soil moisture has significantly declined since the soil thawed in early March, with the topsoil showing moisture levels dropping to as low as 13% by early April.
Historically, spring rainfall is crucial for determining the volume of forage available during the growth season. However, current forecasts predict below-average precipitation for the upcoming months (April to June), suggesting a continuation of the dry spell. This scenario aligns with historical data indicating that only about 23% of the time does the region receive above-average rainfall during these critical months.
Given these conditions, ranchers must consider proactive management strategies such as delayed turnout, reduced grazing, and lower stocking rates to mitigate the impact of drought. Regular monitoring of soil moisture and weather forecasts is essential to adapt to these adverse conditions effectively.
As ranchers navigate these challenges, the focus must be on making informed decisions promptly to safeguard their livestock and pastures. With strategic planning and resource assessment, it's possible to manage the impact of these dry conditions on the 2025 grazing season.
Photo Credits:gettyimages
Categories: South Dakota, Livestock, Weather