Group of cows and calves standing in a pasture

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Tractor spraying pre-emergent herbicide in a bare field.

Preemergence Herbicide Application Considerations for 2024

Preemergence herbicides control germinating weeds, which minimizes early-season competition with crops to keep yield potential higher. Learn what factors influence their effectiveness and what can be done to avoid control failures and unintended crop injury.

Producers unloading a herd of young swine from a transport vehicle.

Benefits of Transport Quality Assurance Certification

The Transport Quality Assurance® certification program from the National Pork Board is designed to promote the highest standards of animal welfare and pork quality during transportation.

Black angus calf grazing spring pasture.

Monitoring Spring Precipitation and Range Conditions

Ideal grazing management balances the acts of grazing and recovery. Monitoring precipitation, soil moisture, and forage production can help producers make informed decisions for their herds and pastures.

Black bull in a pen.

Bought the Bull. Now What?

It is always best to be prepared rather than playing catch up in cattle production, and the addition of a new herd bull is no exception. Learn some expert tips to get new herd bulls off to a great start.

A woman with wavy, light brown hair stands outside in front of a small patch of trees along a creek

SDSU Extension 4-H welcomes new program advisor for Butte and Lawrence counties

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Melanie Coleman as the new 4-H Youth Program Advisor for Butte and Lawrence counties.

A woman stands in a clothing store behind a pink shirt with geometric patterns

Energize conference inspires new Wessington Springs business owner

Dacia Mitchell opened Modest Moxie, a clothing boutique, in Wessington Springs after attending the 2023 SDSU Extension Energize conference.

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.

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    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

Garden at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field-South
May 01

Starting the Season Safely on Specialty Crop Farms

Join SDSU Extension to learn about how to keep yourself, your staff, and your produce safe on your specialty crop farm.

Hand holding a heart-shaped bowl of fruits and vegetables near a clipboard, stethoscope, and glucose meter.
May 02

Better Choices, Better Health® South Dakota Workshop @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension will host a six-week Better Choices, Better Health® South Dakota workshop series on diabetes. The workshops are from 9:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. CDT every Thursday from May 2-June 6 at the Mitchel Recreation Center (1300 N. Main St., Mitchell, SD 57301).

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.
May 07

Garden Hour

Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.

Gardener holding a handful of healthy soil.
May 14

Backyard Natural Resources Webinar

Join SDSU Extension to learn about backyard soil health, water use, conservation and biodiversity. This four-part educational series will be held from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CDT on May 14, 16, 21 and 23, 2024.