Skip to main content
South Dakota Badlands

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Small group of cattle grazing a vast, well-managed rangeland.

Grassland Management School

Landowners learn the art and science of grassland restoration and management through Grassland Management Schools.

A green combine harvesting canola in a field.

Broadleaf Considerations for West River South Dakota Cropping Systems

Selecting the right crop rotation is crucial in West River South Dakota, where water use efficiency is important. Learn some key factors to consider when selecting broadleaf crops for rotations and see what some farmers in the region are already planting.

Cropland illustrating soil surface cover in instances where there is and is not rye cover crops planted.

Conserving Soil Moisture During Dry Conditions

Dry conditions can create difficulties for agricultural producers. Using soil health principles can improve the resilience of agricultural systems to dry conditions.

Multi-rotor drone used for spray, spread and seeding

Common Aerial Imagery Used for Crop Assessment

Integrated Precision Agriculture (PA) decision-making tools, including data collection and analysis platforms, have transformed our agriculture today by optimizing crop management and increasing productivity.

A lush, green cluster of garden peas with several pods developed.

Peas: How to Grow It

The most common type of pea in American gardens is the shelling pea, also called the “garden pea” or “English pea.” Tender, sweet peas are removed from thin, tough pods before eating.

older adult in a work out class using a resistance band.

Resistance Band Exercises

Resistance band exercises can help strengthen your muscles and help your body perform everyday activities easily and comfortably.

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

Downtown Platte, SD
May 06

Energize Conference

SDSU Extension will host its seventh annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities conference on May 6–7, 2025, in Platte, South Dakota.

South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Recipe Book 2021-2024
Apr 25

South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Cookbook Preorder

SDSU Extension will be selling the South Dakota 4-H Special Foods Cookbook. The preorder will be open from March 26-April 25, 2025.

Youth are lined up taking aim with bows and arrows to shoot at outdoor targets
Apr 25

4-H State Shoot

SDSU Extension 4-H will host the 4-H Sping State Shoot on April 25-27, 2025, in locations throughout Pierre and Fort Pierre, South Dakota.

2024 SkillsX participants
Jun 02

SkillsX by 4-H

SDSU Extension 4-H will host SkillsX by 4-H June 2-5, 2025, at the South Dakota State University campus (1451 8th St., Brookings, SD 57007). This event is open to any teen (age 13-18), with an interest in developing their leadership, life, workforce, and social skills!