Frequently Asked Questions

Are blizzards and cold temperatures hard on cattle even though they are covered with fur?

Yes, blizzards and several consecutive days of cold temperatures can be very devastating on the health of cattle. Cattle that get wet and are exposed to strong, cold winds can develop respiratory problems like pneumonia.

Click on the following South Dakota State University site for more information: http://sdces.sdstate.edu/

When did the first roundup of cattle take place on the Dakota Territory?

The last roundup took place in 1902. About 20 years earlier the first large roundup took place. The roundup occurred in 1881.

For more information click on the following site: http://www.sdhistory.org/mus/ed/ed%20cwbys2.htm  -
SD Historical Society

Can a rancher/farmer place a fence across a small stream or river to keep their cattle from wandering off of their land?

There are strict regulations regarding the fencing of South Dakota streams and rivers. Federal and State mandates vary depending on the river or stream. Some of the larger rivers like the James River is designated navigable so fences are not allowed. Creeks, like the Turtle Creek, require gates on all fences from Highway 26 to the James River.

For more information click on the South Dakota site below:
  - State of South Dakota

Did the first cattle arrive in South Dakota during the 1870s?

No, the first cow arrived in South Dakota in 1812.

For more information click on the following site: http://www.sdhistory.org/mus/ed/ed%20cwbys2.htm  – SD Historical Society

Were cattle the only domestic animals that grazed on the open range?

No, large herds of sheep also enjoyed the grass of the Dakotas. One or two workers and a dog could handle a few thousand head of sheep. The sheep provided revenue during the sheering season and when they were sold for meat.


Does a barbed wire fence or an electric fence cost more?

A barbed wire fence will cost more than an electric fence. The estimated cost of a barbed wire fence is $1.23 per foot. The cost of electric fence is $.70 per foot.
-Iowa State Extension Office

For more information click on the following site:
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/FM1855.pdf

Are there more cattle today in South Dakota then ever before?

No, over the years the total amount of cattle found in South Dakota has changed considerably. In 1867 there was an estimated 21,000 head of cattle in SD. The number of cattle found in South Dakota continued to grow and in 1974 there were about 5,000,000 head. Today there are approximately 3,750,000 cattle found in South Dakota.

For more information click on the following site: http://www.nass.usda.gov/Census_of_Agriculture/index.asp
USDA census information
 

When are the Dakota Pathways shows aired on SDPB?

Throughout the school year Dakota Pathways will air on Mondays and Fridays from 2:15pm – 2:30pm CT. Also, we air Dakota Pathways during the overnight schedule. The overnight schedule can be accessed on the Internet at http://www.sdpb.org/ , in our monthly SDPB Magazine, or in our weekly education newsletter. You can receive the SDPB Magazine by calling our Friends Office at (1-800-333-0789). If you are interested in receiving our weekly newsletter contact our office at EdServices@sdpb.org .

What age group is Dakota Pathways designed for?

Originally, the show was designed for South Dakota 4th graders; although, Dakota Pathways is enjoyed by people of all ages.

How many South Dakota Public Broadcasting Stations are there?

South Dakota Public Broadcasting is South Dakota's statewide public broadcasting network. SDPB is vital community resource producing and broadcasting high-quality, commercial-free programs and valuable community outreach projects that educate, enlighten and entertain.

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How many episodes of Dakota Pathways will be produced?

SDPB TV produced 20 episodes.

How long can I legally use a Dakota Pathway show after I have taped it?

All of the Dakota Pathways episodes are produced by SDPB. You have unlimited educational rights to use these programs. So enjoy them for years. Note: Some of the shows we air are not produced by SDPB and only have rights for a year. Please email EdServices@sdpb.org  if you have questions about other shows.



Feel free to contact EdServices@sdpb.org  if you have additional questions about any of our shows.

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