Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Endorsement Trends in South Dakota Crop Insurance

Recently there has been an increase in the use of endorsements on corn crop insurance policies. The dominant base- or farm-level coverage remains Revenue Protection. High crop margins corresponded with an increased use of margin-related endorsements. Large subsidy increases have encouraged the purchase of other endorsements.

People standing in field observing a drone flight.

Internet Access in South Dakota

The percentage of the population without an internet subscription varies considerably across South Dakota. The regional disparities observed in South Dakota are consistent with a previous USDA report showing lower household internet subscription rates in counties with persistently high poverty rates.

Group of mixed calves in a feedlot.

Calf Value Discovery Program

The Calf Value Discovery Program enables cow-calf producers to assess the value of their cattle in value-based marketing systems and gain valuable carcass and feedlot performance information to aid in management decisions and improve profitability.

A young man with his eyes closed focusing on his breath.

Recognizing Symptoms of Stress

Recognize the symptoms of stress and find tips for how to manage it.

Rain clouds gathering in the sky over a sprawling winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for the 2027 Growing Season

Producers cannot control fertilizer or grain markets, but they can control how efficiently nitrogen is used on their farms. Learn some key strategies and considerations for the 2027 growing season.

Weather station at the edge of a large, open pasture.

Drought

Stay ahead of drought impacts with SDSU Extension's timely climate updates, business insights and research-tested management tips.

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 2026 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 36th annual survey of agricultural land values and cash rental rates by land use and quality in different regions of South Dakota.

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

Group of children eating fresh vegetables
Sep      Oct 14 - 31

South Dakota Crunch Off

The South Dakota Crunch Off is an annual statewide celebration of local foods and farm-to-school efforts.

Cut flower field at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field
Sep 15

Specialty Crop Field Day

SDSU Extension welcomes the community to the 2026 Specialty Crop Field Day on Tuesday, September 15, from 4:30 to 8:00 PM at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field, South (86CG+4C, Brookings, SD 57006).

Aerial view of Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Sep 24

Sioux Falls Metro Economic Briefing

The SDSU Ness School of Management and Economics and SDSU Extension will host an economic briefing on September 24 from 8:00 to 9:15 a.m. at Startup Sioux Falls in the MarketBeat Theatre (100 E 6th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57104).

Participants making cut flower arrangements
Sep 29

Rosebud Cut Flower Workshop

SDSU Extension, in partnership with the Rosebud Garden Society, will be hosting a Cut Flower Workshop on September 29 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at the Todd County Fairgrounds (28451 83, Mission, SD 57555).

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.
Sep 29

SDSU Swine Day

SDSU Extension invites swine producers and allied industry members to attend SDSU Swine Day on September 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium - Club 71 (1396 Stadium Rd., Brookings, SD 57006).

Young physical therapist walking with an older adult at an indoor track.
Oct 01 - 31

Fall into Fitness

Throughout the month of October, SDSU Extension is challenging South Dakotans to soak in the gorgeous colors of our state and make physical activity a top priority.