SDSU Extension

2022 State Fair

Youth judging fruits, vegetable and plants

The 2022 South Dakota State Fair will take place September 1–5 in Huron, South Dakota. In 4-H, youth design and participate in their own projects and related activities. Whether a young person builds a rocket, raises a companion pet, or plants vegetables, 4-H gives youth the skills they need to thrive and succeed. View schedules, resources and results for the State Fair.

View State Fair Resources

Latest Recommendations

Several canning jars filled with tomato sauce and herbs.

The “Why” Behind Unsafe Canning Practices

When choosing a food preserving method, it’s important to investigate the science behind the process and choose a method that has been researched and proven safe. This is especially important when it comes to canning.

Small herd of dairy cattle in an outdoor lot.

Managing Stress in Dairy Cows

Which stressors are your dairy cows experiencing? The economic effects of stress can be significant, so developing a strategy to manage it can be profitable.

Gardener deeply watering a vegetable garden in the early morning.

Protecting Plants From Heat Stress

When summer temperatures soar with no sign of a break, it is hard on humans and plants. Learn some tips that will help protect plants from heat stress, including soil protection, watering considerations and providing shade.

Nursery Pig Management

Piglet transitions from the farrowing room to the nursery or wean-to-finish barn are important foundational steps towards producing full-market value finisher pigs.

Expanded Meat and Poultry Processing Resources Available to S.D. Livestock Producers and Meat Processors

The USDA's commitment to creating a more-resilient, diverse and equitable meat and poultry processing system is making new opportunities for rancher-owned enterprises, worker-owned housing and other cooperative initiatives.

Silhouette of worker drinking water in extreme heat.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke: Protecting Your Operation

During periods of extreme heat, operations must take additional steps to protect their employees from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Featured Programs

Group of teens standing in front of 4-H billboard

South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador Program

Curious what it takes to become a South Dakota State 4-H Ambassador?

Small Business Basics

The Small Business Basics program covers an extensive list of topics, including writing or updating business plans, tax and licensing, employee relations, pricing and marketing, customer service, social media, and aspects of financing.

Canning supplies arranged on a kitchen counter.

Home Food Preservation Self-Study Course

This course provides research-based information on food preservation.

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 2022 South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey is the 32nd 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

Aug 10

SDSU/USDA FSIS Food Safety Summit

SDSU Extension in conjunction with the Des Moines office of USDA FSIS will host a food safety summit on August 10 at 8:30 a.m. CST at the SDSU Animal Science Complex, room 126 (1097 N. Campus Dr. Brookings, SD 57007) for all who are involved in the meat and poultry industry.

Aug 16