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Combine harvesting soybeans

SDSU Extension

Latest Recommendations

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the number of classes of change in drought conditions from June 3 to September 2, 2025. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook

A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.

Swarm of mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus Update: September 10, 2025

As of September 10, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) reported 59 human cases of West Nile virus from Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Codington, Corson, Grant, Gregory, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Sanborn, Spink, and Walworth counties.

A picture of producers (ranchers) in a rangeland pasture looking into another pasture that has different forage biomass quantities. The

Systems Thinking for Agriculture: A tool for addressing complex ranch problems

A systems approach to management encourages producers to take multiple factors into consideration to solve problems within their agricultural operation.

Mother holding two daughters outdoors in the countryside.

Outdoor Play is Educational

Getting kids outside to play and use their imagination is getting harder in our digital, screen-filled world. Using outdoor spaces and nature to create intentional learning opportunities is a great way to fulfill the need for kids to move and use their creative energy.

Going Once, Going Twice…Here Come the Fall Calves

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Michael Drotzmann to take a peek behind the auction block.

Pile of freshly chopped corn silage.

Best Management Practices for Corn Silage Harvest

Ensiling involves many different components to ensure a successful harvest and high-quality, safe feedstuff. Learn some expert tips to consider when chopping and storing corn silage to maximize the value and quality of your harvest.

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

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

corn leaf with tar spot on it
Sep 25

Corn Disease Scouting Session

SDSU Extension will host a come-and-go corn disease scouting session at the SDSU Northeast Research Farm (15710 455th Ave., South Shore, SD 57263) on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT.

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.

Monarch butterfly on a blanket flower.
Sep 27

Photography Workshop for Youth

SDSU Extension will host a photography workshop for youth on September 27, from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. This event is part of the Clover Connect series.

Group of children eating fresh vegetables
Sep 15

South Dakota Crunch Off

The South Dakota Crunch Off is an annual statewide event to celebrate local produce and farm to school by crunching into any South Dakota grown fruit or vegetable.