Skip to main content
young soybean plants

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Beef Cattle Reproductive Research with Dr. Rebecca Swanson

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Robin Salverson introduces Dr. Rebecca Swanson, one of the newest faculty members in the Department of Animal Science at SDSU.

A trailer with the SDSU Extension logo and aerial footage of landscapes is shown

SDSU Extension helps producers navigate precision ag

Precision agriculture practices are growing as technology continues to evolve, and SDSU Extension is leading the state’s efforts to monitor and understand the role it plays.

up of people having a discussion in a re-purposed firehall.

Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities

From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.

Child wearing a sunhat.

Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Sun and Heat

Have you been spending lots of time in the sun this summer? Before you take off for our state's parks and lakes, consider these sun safety tips.

Sun rising over small town mainstreet.

SDSU Extension welcomes new community vitality expert

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Chase Moon as a new Community Vitality Field Specialist.

A large square bale of Alfalfa hay that has been put up for storage.

Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay

As haying season approaches, producers across South Dakota will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay. This often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives.

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 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

Aerial view of test plots at the Volga Research Farm.
Jul 22

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School

SDSU Extension will host the free Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Volga Research Farm (21200-, 21298 464th Ave., Volga, SD 57071). The farm is located about 2 miles south of Volga.

vegetable cover crops
Jul 22

Cover Crop and Organic Vegetable Production Field Day @ Haroldson Farms

SDSU Extension, South Dakota Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), and Haroldson Farms will host a Cover Crop and Organic Vegetable Production Field Day on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Haroldson Farms (20044 464th Ave, Bruce, SD 57220).

Silhoutte of mother and daughter holding hands at sunset.
Jul 23

Whole Farm Planning - Integrating Childcare

SDSU Extension will host a workshop to help farm families integrate childcare into their whole farm plan on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center (1910 West Kemp Ave, Watertown, SD).

A man and a woman planting in a high tunnel
Jul 23

High Tunnel and Vegetable Production Field Day @ Cherry Rock Farms

SDSU Extension and Cherry Rock Farms will host a free High Tunnel and Vegetable Production Field Day on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Cherry Rock Farms (48105 264th Street, Brandon, SD 57005).