Our Experts
South Dakota producers face new challenges each day. SDSU Extension is your partner, providing resources and expertise to help meet production goals.
Featured Resources
![A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.](/sites/default/files/2020-01/W-00463-00-sd-mesonet-station.jpg)
Livestock Stress Tool
Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.
![A vast, open rangeland with a few patches of weeds.](/sites/default/files/2018-12/W-M12048-01-rangeland-pasture-grassland.jpg)
Noxious Weed Control in Pasture and Range
Noxious weed control in pastures is becoming more of a challenge. Most ground commercial spray businesses are no longer spraying pastures. If they are, there may be restrictions on the time they will spray, what products they will spray, or they may only spray if they also have all of the rest of your spraying business.
Upcoming Events
![Participants of the 2023 Precision Livestock Field School at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station, looking at differences among long-term grazing treatments and precision livestock technology. (Photo courtesy of Hector Menendez)](/sites/default/files/2023-09/PrecisionLivestockFieldSchool_MC-03134_Picture2.jpg)
Cottonwood Field Day: Rangeland Monitoring
SDSU Extension will host a field day on Monday, July 29, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.
![Aerial view of cattle near a feeder.](/sites/default/files/2023-01/W-01520-02-Drones-Ranching-Operations-Flight-Pilot-Field-Aerial-View.jpg)
Cottonwood Field Day: Using Drones in Livestock Production
SDSU Extension will host a field day on Thursday, August 22, from 9:00 a.m. to noon at the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.
Related Content
![a room is pictured from above with round tables covered in blue and yellow tablecloths. a large picture of the SDSU jackrabbit logo is on the far wall](/sites/default/files/2023-10/Swine-Day_Club-71_MC-03157.jpg)
Save the date for 2024 SDSU Swine Day
July 23, 2024
South Dakota State University Extension invites swine producers and industry members to save the date for the 2024 SDSU Swine Day on Nov. 12 in Brookings.
![Ultrasound machine used for sheep](/sites/default/files/2024-06/mc-03418-01-sheep-ultrasound.jpg)
Register now for SDSU Extension Sheep Ultrasound Certification School
July 22, 2024
South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a sheep ultrasound certification school from 8 a.m. Aug. 24 to noon Aug. 26, 2024, at the SDSU Sheep Research and Teaching Unit, located 1.5 miles north of the SDSU campus.
![Fence line along a storm-damaged pasture in Butte County, South Dakota.](/sites/default/files/2024-07/W-01990-01-Pasture-Recovery-After-Hail.jpg)
Pasture Recovery After Hail
When hail hits pastures, it essentially strips the leaves and breaks the stems of plants. When this occurs, it is essential to allow plants and grasses time to fully recover before grazing or haying again.