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
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
SDSU Extension offers farm planning programs in Winner
October 15, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension will offer additional Whole Farm Planning workshops on Nov. 12 and 19, 2025, in Winner.
Changes to the Commodity Title from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impact on South Dakota crops
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several changes to the Title I Commodity Programs. Learn how these changes may impact crops in South Dakota compared to crops grown in other regions in the United States.
Virtual Annie’s Project
SDSU Extension will host a Virtual Annie's Project workshop series focusing on women involved in agriculture on January 5, 12, 19, 26; February 2 and 9. Workshops will take place virtually via Zoom from 6:30 to 9:00 p.m. CST.