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SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

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Leafy Spurge: Do I spray now or wait until fall?

In June, leafy spurge is one of our most problematic rangeland, pasture, and roadside weeds. It is also one of South Dakota’s noxious weeds that landowners are required by law to control. So should you spray it now or wait until fall?

Redlegged and differential grasshopper nymphs.

Grasshoppers Are Showing up in Large Numbers in Eastern South Dakota

While scouting spring wheat in Brookings County this week, we noticed grasshopper nymph populations that were close to threshold.

Producers working cattle in a holding pen.

What Cattle Working Facilities Are the Best?

Research is continually being conducted to better understand cattle behaviors and develop working facilities that work with them. Learn some basic aspects of working facilities so you can design a system that best fits your operation.

Landowner viewing information on a laptop computer in a farm office.

South Dakota Ag Land Income Tracker

The South Dakota Ag Land Income Tracker is designed to estimate and display changes to the annual revenue per acre derived from standard agricultural practices on an average, unimproved cropland acre in South Dakota counties.

Country road with a thunderstorm approaching in the distance.

Summer Severe Weather Safety

Hail, high winds, heavy rain, lightning, tornadoes. These weather phenomena are common during South Dakota summers. Stormy weather can be beautiful to see, especially in our evening skies, but it can also be dangerous or life-threatening.

A brown and black cow standing in a feedlot with flies on its face.

Summer Fly Control in Feedlots

Just as longer days mark the beginning of summer, so does the arrival of increased number of flies in feedlots. Flies are not only are an annoyance, they can reduce performance and worsen heat stress. Successful control strategies start with sanitation.

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

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    114,099

    Adult and Youth Educational Contacts

Explore Our Impacts

Further Reading

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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.

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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

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Jul 10

Living Your Best Life with Chronic Disease

SDSU Extension will host the "Living Your Best Life with Chronic Disease" webinar and gatherings on July 10, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CDT/9:00 a.m. MT.

4-H shooting sports coach and youth at a trap shooting range.
Jul 12

4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Training - Level 1 Shotgun @ Faulk County

SDSU Extension will host a 4-H Shooting Sports Coaches Training for the shotgun discipline on Saturday, July 12, 2025, beginning at 8:30 a.m. CDT at the Faulk County Trap Club (16335 SD Hwy 45, Faulkton, SD 57438).

Annual trials garden at McCrory Gardens
Jul 15

Garden Hour

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

group of students looking at a pair of beef cattle
Jul 16

South Dakota Youth Beef Summit

South Dakota Youth Beef Summit is a program for youth ages 12-21 interested in learning more about the beef industry. This event will take place on July 16, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at various locations on the campus of South Dakota State University.