Livestock Grazing Has Improved South Dakota Farm Returns

South Dakota producers saw higher net benefits when integrating grazing into cover crop systems.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Organic Food

Screen-print poster illustration of cattle grazing on a green prairie field, evoking sustainable agricultural practices. — South Dakota agricultural producers are seeing improved net returns by integrating livestock grazing into their cover crop systems to offset high establishment costs. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Is now a good time for farmers to invest in cover crops and grazing systems?

New South Dakota research found that grazing livestock on cover crops can provide measurable economic returns for farmers. This approach helps offset high establishment costs, offering a potential path for producers looking to improve field efficiency.

Why it matters

Adoption of cover crops is often limited by initial setup costs ranging from $42 to $120 per acre. Integrating grazing creates immediate financial offsets, allowing farmers to reduce fertilizer spending while boosting returns on subsequent crops.

University extension research shows that grazing cover crops generated net benefits of $17.23 per acre in year one and $43.61 per acre in year two. These figures follow findings that cover crops improve subsequent crop returns by $31.37 to $66.42 per acre.

The players

Environmental Quality Incentives Program

A federal conservation program that provides financial and technical assistance to farmers for natural resource management.

The details

Producers integrate livestock into cover crop systems by allowing animals to graze on the vegetation. This method physically cycles nutrients back into the soil, which reduces annual fertilizer costs by $7.98 per acre. Financial assistance is available through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program, which covers up to 75 percent of initial establishment expenses.

Grazing cover crops generated a $17.23 net benefit per acre in year one.
Grazing cover crops generated a $43.61 net benefit per acre in year two.

Healthy Food
Oct. 5
South Dakota Launched New Fresh Produce Initiative

Health Landscape

The integration of livestock and cover crops represents a shift toward more regenerative agricultural systems supported by the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. This development aligns with broader trends in sustainability that prioritize economic viability alongside land health.

For readers managing agricultural lands in South Dakota, these findings highlight the importance of reviewing cost-share opportunities for conservation practices. Discussing these specific grazing models with local extension experts can help determine if this system is feasible for your soil type.

The takeaway

Integrating livestock into cover crop systems provides a practical way to offset startup costs while improving subsequent crop yields. Farmers should evaluate their eligibility for the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to further lower the cost of entry for these systems.