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.
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
International Farm Transition Network Education Hour - Sometimes Right Isn’t Equal, Sometimes Equal’s Not Fair: Managing the Equity and Equities in Farm Transitions
SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST.
Ag Economic Dialogues - March
This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.
Ag Economic Dialogues - April
This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.
Ag Economic Dialogues - May
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
Tribal Land Transfer or Individual Ownership of Reservation Land
There are two major types of Native American land. Trust land is held by the federal government, but the beneficial interest remains with the individual or tribe. Fee land is purchased by tribes, the tribe acquires legal title under specific statutory authority. To ensure the passing of your property to those whom you wish, learn how your land is held.
International Farm Transition Network Education Hour - Sometimes Right Isn’t Equal, Sometimes Equal’s Not Fair: Managing the Equity and Equities in Farm Transitions
SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on March 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. CST.
Custom Rates Survey
SDSU Extension is conducting a survey to better understand current custom rates charged for various crop and livestock operations performed on farms and ranches in South Dakota.