Local farmer changes management practices to account for drought

The drought throughout KOTA Territory has impacted farmers and ranchers in very different ways, but they have one thing in common: a change in management practices.

For Dave Wilson of Sturgis, he added a cover crop to the mix for added forage content.

Wilson has used sudan grass in his program before, but with the drought and low alfalfa prices, he decided to plant it again this year.

Sudan grass is a good alternative or addition for alfalfa in dry years, but doesn't have as high nutrition quality as alfalfa.

Wilson says he was looking for a market in the drought that could help local livestock producers. He will be selling the grass mix exclusively online at

"While our commodity prices were lower in the area we decided there was another alternative to produce a cash crop and help the local livestock producers find feed in a close proximity to their ranch,” said Wilson. “This fall we decided we would bail up all the hay and sudan, and we would sell it online only. It gives everyone in a wide area an opportunity to bid. It is easy to register, they can take their time and they can inspect the product. Hopefully we can sell them something that will help them out and get them through the winter."

The sales are live on

. The first auction closes on October 24 while the second closes on October 30.