Combine harvesting soybeans

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

Why 4-H?

Reasons why 4-H is a great option for South Dakota youth

bread and butter pickles in a jar in front of a tray of baked rolls. Courtesy: jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0)

Bread-and-Butter Pickles

Try this research-tested recipe for bread-and-butter pickles courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

a group of young children wearing 4-H clothing

4-H Cloverbuds Project

The 4-H Cloverbuds program, specifically designed for children in kindergarten through third grade, appeals to a child’s natural curiosity, enthusiasm for learning, and high energy level.

A row of corn cobs in various colors and sizes

Indian Corn & Popcorn

Beautifully hued ears of dried ornamental corn appear this time of year in autumn decorations. In South Dakota, each fall the Corn Palace at Mitchell sports fresh murals from the naturally colored corn.

Pumpkins and winter squash on display at a farmer's market.

Harvesting and Storing Pumpkins and Winter Squash

The gardening season will soon come to an end, but we can still enjoy pumpkins and winter squash well into the winter months if we take some extra care during the harvest and storage process.

Jars of cut cucumbers being prepared to make dill pickles.

Dill Pickles

Try this research-tested recipe for homemade dill pickles courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

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 2024 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 34th 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

Woman writing in a journal.
Oct 17

Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing Workshop - Ancestor Writing

SDSU Extension will host an Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing Workshop webinar on October 17, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. MT/6:30 to 8:30 p.m. CDT.

A combine harvesting soybeans and emptying them into a nearby tractor trailer
Oct 18

Ag Economic Dialogues - October

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

A group of writing workshop attendees gathered at a table.
Oct 16

Writing Your Future Grant Writing Workshop @ Arlington

Join the SDSU Extension Community Vitality team October 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CDT for a "Writing Your Future" Grant Writing Workshop hosted by the City of Arlington.

Field of pumpkins
Nov 05

Agritourism & Adventure Travel Workshop

SDSU Extension, Travel South Dakota and Nebraska Tourism will offer a workshop for agritourism entrepreneurs and small business owners from November 5-7, 2024, at various locations around southeast South Dakota and northeast Nebraska.