Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

How to Test Hay and Forage for Nitrate Levels Using Test Strips

Step-by-step instructions for how to complete Nitrate testing for forage and hay.

Group of children at the trailhead of a hiking trail.

What are ways to be active as a family when everyone is different ages?

Family-based physical activity is all about creating consistent opportunities for movement, connection, and fun together. Over time, these experiences help build healthy habits that last a lifetime.

Drought-stressed cornfield.

Agronomic Considerations During Drought

Despite technological advances, weather factors still play a major role in crop production, especially during dry times. Making smart agronomic decisions can prevent a drought situation from getting worse.

Group of producers having a discussion in a pasture with native flowers blooming in the foreground.

The Heart of the Homestead

Behind the resilience farm families are known for, mental health challenges have increasingly come into focus. Learn how a new voucher program is helping South Dakota families cultivate emotional well-being.

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.

Beef cattle with calves on a dry rangeland.

Managing the Cow Herd Through Drought

Drought remains one of the most persistent and difficult challenges facing cattle producers. Managing a cow herd under drought conditions requires balancing short-term survival with long-term productivity.

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.

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    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

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Jun 09

Garden Hour

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

Group of youth walking through a field
Jun 09

Rangeland and Soil Days

Rangeland and Soil Days will take place June 9-10, 2026, at the Belle Fourche Community Hall (512 6th Avenue, Belle Fourche, SD 57717).

Beef steer eating hay
Jun 16

Siouxland Feedlot Forum

SDSU Extension and Nebraska Extension will host the Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 16 from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (385 East 4th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776).

Group of black cattle near a stock dam that’s drying up under drought conditions.
Jun 17

Drought Meeting

SDSU Extension will host drought meetings from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. CDT/9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MT on June 17 in Hot Springs, Winner and Yankton.

Herd of cattle in a virtual fence
Jun 23

Virtual Fence Workshop

SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Society for Range Management will host a Virtual Fence Workshop, June 23-24, in Rapid City.

Black beef cattle at a feedbunk at an SDSU research facility.
Jun 23

Environmental Training for Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)

SDSU Extension will host an environmental training session for operators of Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) on June 23 at the Crossroads Convention Center (100 Fourth St. S.W., Huron, SD 57350).