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
International Farm Transition Network - Understanding Farm Succession Planning through a Readiness Lens
SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on September 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CDT.
Ag Economic Dialogues - October
This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.
Whole Farm Planning - Integrating Childcare
SDSU Extension will host a workshop to help farm families integrate childcare into their whole farm plan on Wednesday, November 12, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Winner Regional Center (325 S. Monroe, Ste. 125, Winner, SD 57580).
Ag Economic Dialogues - November
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
Women in Agriculture
SDSU Extension's women in agriculture programs are open to all. These programs are designed to provide practical education and a strong support network to benefit farmers, ranchers, business professionals and those who support the agricultural industry.
SDSU Extension hosts Sustaining the Legacy Conferences
September 19, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension will continue to assist farmers and ranchers with long-term planning through its Sustaining the Legacy conferences across South Dakota this winter.
Dairy Production in South Dakota: Growth and Consolidation
Research has found continued growth in dairy production in South Dakota over the past two decades, with most growth concentrated in large operations in Eastern South Dakota, indicating a trend of consolidation with large farms in concentrated regions.