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
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.
Agricultural Economics and Precision Agricultural Advancement Workshop
SDSU Extension will host a workshop covering agricultural economics and precision agricultural advancement on February 24 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the SDSU Extension Sioux Falls Regional Center (4101 W 38th St, Ste 103, Sioux Falls, SD 57106)
Virtual Agricultural Economics and Precision Agricultural Advancement Workshop
SDSU Extension will host a virtual workshop covering agricultural economics and precision agricultural advancement on February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Related Content
Live Cattle Basis
Futures prices are from organized trades that provide price information for buyers and sellers of commodities. Local cash prices can be compared to futures prices using a basis measure. With an expected basis measure, producers can observe futures prices and infer cash prices.
Virtual Agricultural Economics and Precision Agricultural Advancement Workshop
SDSU Extension will host a virtual workshop covering agricultural economics and precision agricultural advancement on February 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
SDSU Extension to discuss estate planning at Sustaining the Legacy conferences
February 06, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension will continue to assist farmers and ranchers with estate and farm transition planning through its final Sustaining the Legacy conference in 2026.