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Young corn emerging in a no-till field.

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Color-coded map showing precipitation outlook for the United States. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

May 2025 Drought and Climate Update

Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.

Keeping Cattle and Grass in Balance

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with her colleagues from South Dakota State University Kaylee Wheeler, an Extension Range Field Specialist, and Dr. Krista Ehlert, an Assistant Professor and Extension Range Specialist.

Colorful variety of pumpkins, winter squashes and gourds on display.

Pumpkins, Winter Squashes and Gourds: How to Grow It

There are many varieties of pumpkins, squashes and gourds available for planting in the garden. Learn how to select, plant, grow and harvest them in this article!

Professional portrait of Julie Brunskill Nelson

SDSU Extension welcomes new mental health field specialist

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Julie Brunskill Nelson as the new Mental Health Field Specialist.

Green beans growing a garden.

Green Beans: How to Grow It

Snap beans, also called “green beans” or “string beans” (although most modern varieties do not have strings) are harvested when the pods contain immature seeds, and the pods are still succulent.

athletic shoe next to stack of small weights

Hand Weight Exercises

Hand weight exercises are a form of strength training, which is important to keep your body moving and in optimal health.

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

Two ranchers participating in beef quality assurance training at a cattle facility.
May 19

Beef Quality Assurance Training @ Sioux Falls

SDSU Extension will host a beef quality assurance (BQA) training on May 19, 2025 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Extension Sioux Falls Regional Center (4101 W 38th St Ste 103, Sioux Falls, SD 57106).

Grass buring
May 20

Landowner Prescribed Fire Classes and Field Training

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a prescribed fire training tailored for landowners and agencies on May 20-21, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. in room 126 of the SDSU Animal Science Complex (1097 N. Campus Drive, Brookings, SD 57007).

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
May 20

Garden Hour

Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.

Archers removing arrows from a target in an outdoor range.
May 31

4-H State Outdoor Archery Tournament

SDSU Extension 4-H will host the 2024 4-H State Outdoor Archery Tournament at the NFAA Easton Yankton Archery Center (800 Archery Lane, Yankton, SD 57078) on May 31 and June 1.