As South Dakota’s farmers know, many factors go into raising successful crops. SDSU Extension’s team works to boost farmers’ yields and profits by providing access to research-based information, resources and local agronomic information.
Collaborating with South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU throughout the growing season, our team showcases local data collected from test plots in a field near you.
Our Experts
Featured Resources
South Dakota Pest Management Guides
The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.
Fertilizer Recommendation Guide
SDSU Extension fertilizer recommendations are based on field research in South Dakota and neighboring states.
Best Management Practices for Corn Production
iGrow Corn is your unbiased, research-based guide to corn production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.
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SUBSCRIBEUpcoming Events
2026 Commercial Applicator Training Online Course
SDSU Extension partners with DANR to offer pesticide certification program required for commercial applicators. The 2026 online course will be offered through Traininghouse and will be open from December 3, 2025, through February 28, 2026.
Crop Hour
SDSU Extension Crop Hour webinars provide valuable information for South Dakota crop producers to help them improve their profitability and prepare for the upcoming season.
Fumigation Endorsement Private Applicator Training
SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training on March 12, 2026, from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. CDT (1:00 - 2:00 p.m. MT).
Private Applicator Training for Specialty Crops
SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for specialty crops on March 18, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.
Organic Conference @ Sioux Falls
SDSU Extension and the SDSU Southeast Research Farm will host an organic conference on March 12 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel (3200 W Maple St, Sioux Falls, SD 57107)
Private Applicator Training for Crops
SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for crops on April 15, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.
Related Content
SDSU Extension welcomes new forage field specialist
February 10, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Kim Ricardo as a new Forage Field Specialist.
Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Guidelines: Do we use the yield goal or maximum return to nitrogen approach?
Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient commonly applied to oat crops. It is important to apply an appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to oats, as too little can reduce economic return, while too much can lead to potential negative environmental effects.
Let SDSU Extension know how alfalfa insects are affecting you
January 29, 2026
South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging forage producers to participate in a survey about managing alfalfa insects.