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SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Rancher viewing data on a laptop on the seat of his truck.

Online Tools To Help With Rangeland Drought Planning

Learn about some free online tools that producers can use to assess drought conditions, evaluate forage resources, and manage herds through periods of abnormally dry weather.

Left: Black soil tarp on a research plot. Right: The same research plot uncovered, revealing little-to-no weed pressure.

Early Season Soil Tarping Impacts on Weed Pressure and Onion Yield

Research report on whether soil tarping can reduce weed pressure in onion yields

Facility inspector inspecting animals at a large dairy farm.

Avian Influenza Viruses in Dairy Cows: What is the role of biosecurity?

The recent finding of an avian influenza virus in dairy cows suffering from a previously unknown disease syndrome has brought attention to disease control and detection methods on dairy operations.

Meat processor taking a photo of a carcass to send for remote grading.

USDA Remote Grading Pilot Program: Increasing Marketing Options at Small Plants

The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service recently launched a pilot program for Remote USDA Beef Carcass Grading, allowing qualifying processors to electronically submit photos of carcasses to be presented for grading.

Cattle grazing a field of cover crops in Eastern South Dakota.

Extend the Grazing Season With Cover Crops

When hay prices are high, extending the grazing season is key. Grazing cover crops in the fall and spring can extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs.

Young, black angus cattle eating feed in a feedlot.

Healthy Guts Make Healthy Cattle

Feed additives, including probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics, can be incorporated in beef cattle diets to help improve animal health, increase performance, and reduce antibiotic use.

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.

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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

Three women walking outdoors
Apr 15

South Dakota Move Your Way® Spring Challenge

SDSU Extension is partnering with the South Dakota Department of Health, alongside the Move Your Way® Campaign, to increase physical activity among all South Dakota adults.

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Apr 19

Ag Economic Dialogues - April

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

A young woman browsing personal finance resources on a laptop computer.
Apr 23

Financial Fireside Chats - Webinar Series

SDSU Extension will host a weekly series of six free webinars focused on increasing financial knowledge and improving financial wellbeing on Tuesdays from April 23 to May 28, 2024, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. CDT.

Shooting sports instructors and participants training at an indoor range.
Apr 26

4-H State Shoot

SDSU Extension 4-H will host the 2024 4-H Sping State Shoot April 26–28 in locations throughout Pierre and Fort Pierre, South Dakota.