Pheasant in snowy field

SDSU Extension

The Crop Hour webinars are designed to provide valuable information to producers and agribusiness people to improve efficiency and profitability within their businesses. Participants will have the opportunity to take in as many as 24 different sessions to hear about current crop production topics and issues, as well as learn from last year’s research while making plans for this year.

Crop Hour will run from January 24 through March 2, every Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST. 

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Latest Recommendations

close up of black cow and the words cattle HQ

Unwinding the Uterine Clock - The Ins and Outs of AI with Dr. Bob Cushman

In this episode of Cattle HQ, join Kiernan Brandt, Robin Salverson, and Olivia Amundson, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialists as they talk with Dr. Bob Cushman on the bovine uterine clock.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Ranching and Prairie Streams: Why Riparian Areas Matter

For many producers, riparian pastures are essential to their operations. However, land managers need to balance grazing and utilization needs with riparian health for the long-term benefit of their operation.

Family reviewing budget materials at a kitchen table.

Financial Planning Tools

A high level of financial literacy, the ability to make sound financial decisions based on your knowledge, will improve your financial well-being.

Three young, Black Angus bulls in a pen.

Buying Bulls With a Plan

Selecting new herd sires is an annual process for beef producers. Learn tips for selecting the correct herd sire for your operation that will progress your operation and improve your cattle.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.

Aerial view of cattle near a feeder.

Utilizing Drones for Ranching Operations

Using drones as a tool for monitoring grasslands, checking cattle, and monitoring water sources has increased recently. Learn some important licensing and safety considerations for using drones on your operation.

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 2022 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 32nd 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

small group of sheep standing in a pasture
Jan 30

All American Sheep Day @ Black Hills Stock Show

SDSU Extension is working with the Black Hills Stock Show and sheep industry partners to provide a fun, educational day for sheep producers and the general public on January 30 during the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City.

A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.
Jan 31

Soybean Crop Hour

Jan. 31 - Feb. 2: soybean diseases, insects, research update, and biologicals

several types of melon and squash in baskets
Jan 31

South Dakota Virtual Vegetable Short Course

SDSU Extension will host a South Dakota Virtual Vegetable Short Course series on January 31, February 2, 7, and 9, 2023. The four-part educational series will be held from 7:00-8:30 p.m. CST / 6:00-7:30 p.m. MT each evening. This session will focus on the feasibility of mesotunnels for organic muskmelon and winter squash production.

Green plant with wide, oval leaves. Pink florets are arranged in a circle at the top of the stem. An orange Monarch butterfly feeds on nectar from one of the florets.
Feb 01

SDSU Native Plant Initiative Research Updates

SDSU Extension and the SDSU Native Plant Initiative (NPI) invite native plant industry professionals, rangeland managers, ranchers, farmers, gardeners, and the public to join webinars on Wednesday, February 1 and 8 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. CST / 6:30-7:30 p.m. MT.