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SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Sun rises over a frost-dusted pasture.

Last Spring Frost Dates

Knowing the historical last spring frost dates for your area helps growers avoid the risk of frost damage for above-ground vegetation, whether it's for agriculture or horticulture.

Bolting broccoli head.

2023 Evaluation of Newly Established Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Sustainable Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota

Research report on observing the performance of three different clover species used in a broccoli production system.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Weed Control: Pasture and Range

There are 24 million acres of native and tame pasture and range as well as 1.4 million acres of grass hayland in South Dakota.

Blank angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Clean Calving Environment: Pasture and Barn

Setting newborn calves up for success starts with a clean calving environment whether that be a clean pasture or fresh bedding in the barn. A clean environment prevents illness in newborn calves.

A red tractor and seed drill planting in a no-till field.

Spring 2024 Climate Outlook

A very warm winter is just about to end as we look ahead toward what’s to come in the spring season.

Ground sprayer parked outside a field at sunset.

Over-the-Top Dicamba Ruling Explained

On February 6, 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was ordered to vacate the registrations for dicamba products registered for over-the-top applications on dicamba-tolerant cotton and soybeans. Learn how the ruling will impact the upcoming growing season and beyond.

Our Impact

As the outreach arm of our state’s land grant, South Dakota State University, SDSU Extension is able to provide farmers, ranchers, agri-business people, communities, families and youth with the research-based information they need to succeed.

    216,854

    Individuals Reached

    $5,909,271.50

    Value of Volunteer Hours

    114,099

    Adult and Youth Educational Contacts

Explore Our Impacts

Further Reading

sun rising over South Dakota field

South Dakota Pest Management Guides

The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

South Dakota Agricultural Land Market Trends

The 2023 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 33rd annual survey of agricultural land values and cash rental rates by land use and quality in different regions of South Dakota.

man holding a small pile of soil in his hands

Fertilizer Recommendation Guide

SDSU Extension fertilizer recommendations are based on field research in South Dakota and neighboring states.

A low-gradient prairie river that is very meandering.

Understanding Western South Dakota Prairie Streams

This document provides information and guidance for landowners and land managers in western South Dakota who are managing small intermittent streams.

Upcoming Events

Participants walking  in one of the Physical Activity Evidence-Based programs offered through SDSU Extension
Mar 18

Walk With Ease Workshop @ Brookings

SDSU Extension will host a Walk With Ease workshop from March 18 - April 26, 2024, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:00-10:00 a.m. CDT at the SDSU Miller Wellness Center (1440 N. Campus Drive, Brookings, SD 57007).

Pink english rose
Mar 19

Caring for Roses in South Dakota Miniseries

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will host a free virtual miniseries dedicated to roses, a popular garden plant in the state on March 19, 20 and 21 from 12:30-1:30 CST/11:30-12:30 MT.

A group of women talking around a kitchen table.
Mar 21

Aging Well Workshop: How To Stay In Your Home Longer

NDSU Extension and SDSU Extension will host a free online Aging Well Workshop covering strategies to stay in your home longer on March 21 at 10:00 a.m. CST (9:00 a.m. MT).

Gardener planting a tomato transplant up to its first set of leaves.
Mar 22

Produce Prescription - Learning and Listening Session for Growers

SDSU Extension will host a learning and listening session about produce prescriptions on March 22 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. CDT.