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
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.
International Farm Transition Network - New Tools for the Farm Transition Planning Professional
SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on December 4 at 12:00 p.m. CST.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Winner
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on December 4, 11 and 18, 2025, at the SDSU Extension Winner Regional Center (325 S. Monroe St., Ste. 125, Winner, SD 57580). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Ag Economic Dialogues - December
This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Mitchell
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on January 8, 15 and 22, 2026, at the SDSU Extension Mitchell Regional Center (1800 E Spruce, Mitchell, SD 57301). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Sustaining the Legacy @ Aberdeen
Join SDSU Extension and industry professionals for a three-day estate planning and farm succession conference on February 3, 10 and 17, 2026, at SDSU Extension Aberdeen Regional Center (13 2nd Ave. SE, Aberdeen, SD 57401). Each day begins at 10:00 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.
Related Content
International Farm Transition Network - New Tools for the Farm Transition Planning Professional
SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on December 4 at 12:00 p.m. CST.
Why Cropland Grazing Now?
The evidence is consistent: cropland grazing delivers measurable economic returns, proven soil health benefits, and growing adoption in South Dakota.
Annie's Inspired Virtual Series
SDSU Extension will host a free virtual series over Zoom from 7:00-8:00 p.m. CST on November 17, 24 and December 1, for women involved in agriculture. The webinar is open to all and will focus on managing risk in today’s agricultural environment.