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Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Black cow with three young calves in early spring.

Shorten Your Calving Season for a More Profitable Cow Herd

Coupled with good management, a defined breeding and calving season increases the number of cows that conceive early, produces a more uniform calf crop, and allows producers to manage labor, nutrition, and herd health more efficiently.

Young tomato plants surrounded by organic mulch in a no-till garden.

Microbial Water Testing for South Dakota Producers

Microbial water testing is important for produce growers to know the quality of their water to help ensure the safety of the fruits, vegetables, and herbs they produce.

Narrowleaf purple coneflowers growing on rolling, grassy hills.

Five Frequently Asked Questions About Native Plants

The Native Plant Initiative works strengthen research, education, and Extension related to native plants in our region. As this work has grown, some common questions have emerged about incorporating native plants in landscapes throughout the state.

FSA Program Updates

In this episode of Cattle HQ, Taylor Grussing, SDSU Extension Cow/Calf Field Specialist visits with the South Dakota Farm Service Agency about the programs available to financially assist producers during disaster events. Drought, flood and heat related losses are just some of the events that can provide financial assistance for producers.

Young physical therapist walking with an older adult at an indoor track.

Talk About Fall Prevention With Your Primary Care Provider

If you or a loved one is age 65 or older or has a chronic health condition, like diabetes or depression, consider discussing fall prevention with your medical provider. Learn some key factors your provider will evaluate during a fall risk assessment.

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.

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

Vegetable plants growing in a high tunnel
Aug 17

High Tunnel and No-Till Vegetable Production Field Day @ Flat Rock Farms

SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field day focused on high tunnel and no-till vegetable production on Monday, August 17, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. CDT at Flat Rock Farms (11774 386th Ave, Westport, SD 57481).

People eat ice cream under a large tent
Aug 18

Dakotafest

Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.

Rain clouds gathering in the sky over a sprawling winter wheat field.
Aug 27

37th Annual Draper Winter Wheat Meeting

SDSU Extension will host the 37th Annual Winter Wheat Meeting on August 27, 2026 beginning at 6:30 p.m. CDT at the City of Draper Auditorium (232 Main St., Draper, SD 57531).

4-H member guiding dog through course at State 4-H Dog Show
Aug 29

State Dog Show - Western Championships

The Western Championships of the 2026 State Dog Show will take place Saturday, August 29, at RyeDoodle Boarding & Training (4223 Peaceful Pines Rd, Rapid City, SD 57702).

Young woman sitting at a desk with financial documents, a notebook, folders, and colored post-it notes.
Sep 01

Organize This! Explore, Adapt, and Implement for Local Impact

SDSU Extension will host an informational webinar to provide an overview of the Organize this! program, including its educational content, timeline, and lessons learned on September 1 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. CDT.

Overhead view of State Fair 4-H exhibits
Sep 02

State Fair

The 2026 South Dakota State Fair will take place Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7, at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, South Dakota.