SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Two young producers inspecting a herd of cattle in early spring pasture.

Breeding Season Preparation

Whether you are going to be using artificial insemination or turning out bulls for natural service, planning plays an essential role in a successful breeding season.

Group of children preparing for a summer swimming lesson outside the SDSU Wellness Center.

How much physical activity does my child or teen need? How much is too much?

Physical activity plays a crucial role in development for children and teens, and it's important to understand how much they need each day while also protecting them from overload and burnout.

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.

Interior of a swine production facility.

Pseudorabies Detected in Iowa and Texas Swine Farms: Prevention Tips, Clinical Signs, and Testing

For the first time since being eradicated in the U.S. Commercial swine herd in 2004, pseudorabies (PRV) has been confirmed in herds in Iowa and Texas. Responsibility falls on everyone in the industry to ensure that this virus does not gain a foothold again.

Mixed group of cattle grazing a diverse mix of forage.

Diversifying Your Forage Base for Drought Flexibility

While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can offer producers added flexibility by spreading risk across species, planting windows, and rooting depths.

Early spring lawn with noticeable weed growth.

Organic Herbicides for Lawns

Organic herbicides are becoming more common on the market due to the perception that these products as safer towards humans, pets, and the environment. For those interested in these products, there are several factors to consider.

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

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

May 19

Garden Hour

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

Cattle outfitted with virtual fence collars on an open rangeland.

May 21

Virtual Fencing Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss current virtual fence systems on the market, considerations for producers interested in utilizing this technology, and current research being conducted at SDSU with virtual fence.

4-H archery targets with arrows in them.

May 30