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Combine harvesting soybeans

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Multicolored Asian lady beetle, female mosquito, and boxelder bug.

Insects Are Being a Nuisance This Fall

The weather is changing, and many of us are noticing an uptick in the nuisance bites caused by several insects. The continued warm weather is going to increase the activity of all insects, including the ones that are causing us displeasure.

Shooting instructor demonstrating a rifle scope to a group of trainees.

SDSU Extension 4-H awards 2025 shooting sports scholarships

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce the seven recipients of 4-H shooting sports state-level scholarships.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

Group of people gathered around a table in an office.

Creating a Virtuous Cycle of Grant Writing

Creating a virtuous cycle of grant writing can lead to a cycle of reinvestment and expansion within your community, allowing you to create new programs, reach new populations, and increase your capacity and impact, fueling your next cycle of success.

Receiving New Calves into the Feedlot

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Dr. Warren Rusche and Dr. Zach Smith, South Dakota State University Assistant Professors based out of Brookings, SD, discuss tips on sourcing and receiving new calves into the feedlot.

Winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for 2026 Growing Season

With fertilizer representing one of the largest variable costs in wheat production, inefficient nitrogen use can quickly erode profit margins. This being said, an emphasis should be placed on how to improve nutrient management during the 2026 growing season.

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

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
Oct 07

Garden Hour

Garden Hour will return with as a limited series during the fall and winter months.

Producer loading pesticide into a sprayer tank.
Oct 08

Department of Transportation Applicator Recertification Training @ Aberdeen

SDSU Extension will host recertification trainings for categories G – General Pest Control and 7 – Right-of-Way Pest Control for DoT employees on October 8, from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the Best Western Ramkota Hotel (1400 8th Ave NW, Aberdeen, SD 57401).

Oct 09

Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing Workshop - Ancestor Writing

SDSU Extension will host an Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing Workshop webinar on October 9, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CDT (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT). The webinar, led by instructor Molly Barari, Ed.D., will cover strategies for ancestor writing.

Two examples of cover crops growing in research plots.
Oct 16

Cover Crop Field Day

SDSU Extension will host a Cover Crop Field Day at the SDSU Northeast Research Farm (15710 455th Ave., South Shore, SD 57263) on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT.