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Black angus calf resting in a pen.

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

High tunnel used for specialty crops

How to Build High Tunnels

A video series developed to help producers learn how to build high tunnels.

Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

Tribal Land Transfer or Individual Ownership of Reservation Land

There are two major types of Native American land. Trust land is held by the federal government, but the beneficial interest remains with the individual or tribe. Fee land is purchased by tribes, the tribe acquires legal title under specific statutory authority. To ensure the passing of your property to those whom you wish, learn how your land is held.

Calving Season Update

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson, SDSU Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist visits with Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow Calf Field Specialist about focusing on setting up the cow herd and the ranch to have a successful calving season.

A screenshot of the ag land soil tables tool.

South Dakota Agricultural Land Soil Productivity Tool

The Ag Land Soil Tables Tool allows users to view soil data and download data by county to further understand the soil rating system. It can help appraisers make baseline agricultural land assessments and determine if adjustments from baseline are needed.

Group of producers gathered at a bull sale.

How to Read Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs)

Bull sale season is here and many cattlemen are likely scanning websites and catalogs in search or their next herd sire. Expected Progeny Differences (EPDs) are a tool to aid selection by comparing traits between animals within the same breed.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

Bright Summers: Choosing Fun and Learning-Focused Care

Just as you did when you selected full-time care or after school care, you will want to consider various elements of summer care for your school-aged kids. Enriching summer programs are available through many types of settings, enabling children to have fun and explore at their own pace.

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 2025 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 35th 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

Spraying pesticides on vegetable plant
Mar 18

Private Applicator Training for Specialty Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for specialty crops on March 18, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

five women and one man walking in a gymnasium
Mar 18

Aging Well Workshop: Managing Medications for Health and Safety as We Age

NDSU Extension and SDSU Extension will host a free online Aging Well Workshop about managing medications for health and safety as we age on March 18 at 10:00 a.m. CST (9:00 a.m. MT).

Small group of black cattle grazing a grassland area.
Mar 19

Tools for Managing Cattle Nutrition and Preparing for the Grazing Season Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month we will discuss online tools to help with managing cattle nutrition and preparing for the grazing season.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Mar 20

Ag Economic Dialogues - March

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