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Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Glass of water sitting on a hardwood table.

Hydration Hacks for Hot Days

Hot days are packed with fun activities like going to the park, playing games in the backyard, and attending outdoor events. While getting outside and staying active is great for your health, it’s easy to overlook one important habit: staying hydrated.

Three wheat fields exhibiting wheat streak mosaic virus symptoms throughout.

South Dakota Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Disease: 2026 Update

Wheat streak mosaic virus is on the move across South Dakota wheat fields. Due to the mild winter and overwintering in winter wheat, viral activity has had a jump start in 2026, and the occurrence and intensity of disease pressure is comparable to the 2025 season.

A small herd of cattle gathered around a pond on an open range.

Livestock Water Testing

SDSU Extension offers on-site livestock water testing services at various locations across the state. 

Mixed group of cattle grazing a diverse mix of forage.

Cover Crop Grazing Windows for South Dakota Crop Rotations

This guide is intended for livestock producers and crop producers interested in integrating cover crop grazing into cash crop systems. Recommendations identify opportunities for both fall grazing of rapidly establishing annuals and spring grazing of overwintering species, helping extend grazing seasons, reduce harvested feed costs, and improve nutrient cycling within crop rotations.

White beef cow.

Feeding Drought-Stressed Corn to Livestock

Drought-stressed corn can remain a valuable forage resource when harvested and stored appropriately. Successful utilization depends on careful management, including harvesting at the proper moisture content, achieving adequate packing density, and excluding oxygen during storage.

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.

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    Adult and Youth Educational Contacts

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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

Rows of cut flowers and vegetables
Jul 21

Western South Dakota Specialty Crop Tour

SDSU Extension will host a Western South Dakota Specialty Crop Tour on July 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT at Magpie Farm (24717 Coolidge Creek Drive, Hermosa, SD 57744) and Bent Oak Ridge Flower Farm.

Aerial view of the SDSU Northeast Research Farm.
Jul 23

Northeast Research Farm Tour

Attend the annual Northeast Research Farm Tour on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. CDT to dusk at the Northeast Research Farm (15710 455th Ave. South Shore, SD 57263). The farm is located on the junction of State Highway 20 and Codington County Highway 11, or 2.5 miles west of Exit 193 on I-29.

A large moth with black and orange striped wings resting on a black light box.
Jul 23

Moth Walk @ McCrory Gardens

SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens will host a moth walk to kick off National Moth Week on Thursday, July 23, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 p.m. CDT at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007).

Aerial view of test plots at the Volga Research Farm.
Jul 29

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School

SDSU Extension will host an IPM Field School at the SDSU Volga Research Farm (21200-, 21298 464th Ave., Volga, SD 57071) on Wednesday, July 29, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Group of Energize conference attendees standing in front of a sculpture
Jul 31

Energize 2027 Host Community Application Deadline

SDSU Extension is seeking applications for a host community for the ninth annual Energize! Exploring Innovative Rural Communities Conference.

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Jul 28

Garden Hour

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