Modern agriculture requires savvy financial planning and strategy. SDSU Extension's agricultural economics experts are your source for operating techniques and business skills to improve your bottom line.
Our Experts
Ag Economic Dialogues
Ag Economic Dialogues was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations. Each month, several topics will be covered during a free, 1-hour webinar which begins at 10:00 a.m. CST. Producers can engage with our experts from the comfort and convenience of their own chair, tractor or combine.
Featured Resources
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.
Monthly Cattle Prices and Basis Levels
Effective marketing and risk management techniques often rely on sound benchmarks. Those marketing cattle need reasonable metrics to evaluate received and expected prices.
Strategic and Scenario Planning in Ranching: Managing Risk in Dynamic Times
A changing marketplace, price volatility, labor availability, record high feeder calf prices, the effects of the ethanol industry: How will your ranch operation adapt?
Decision Aid Tools
In The Cattle Markets
Matthew Diersen, Professor & SDSU Extension Risk/Business Management Specialist, is a contributing author for In The Cattle Markets. This weekly report, issued by the Livestock Marketing Information Center, features the expertise of Texas A&M, Mississippi State University, Colorado State University, University of Wisconsin - River Falls, South Dakota State University and University of Nebraska - Lincoln.
Upcoming Events
Sustaining the Legacy @ Watertown
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on March 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Watertown Regional Center (1910 West Kemp Avenue, Watertown, SD 57201). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Ag Economic Dialogues - February
This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.
Related Content
Annie’s Inspired Webinar Series: Strong Minds Strong Farms
SDSU Extension will host a free webinar series focused on managing risk in today’s agricultural environment on February 23, March 2 and 9.
Athletes in Overalls Webinar
SDSU Extension will host an Athletes in Overalls webinar on Wednesday, February 18, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. CST/5:30-7:30 p.m. MT.
35 years of the SDSU Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey
January 09, 2026
When Larry Janssen learned that one of his most frequently used land sales databases was no longer available, the South Dakota State University Professor Emeritus of Economics and his colleague, Burton Pflueger, former SDSU Extension economist, launched their own survey in 1991.