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Weather and Climate Trends for South Dakota & Seasonal Outlook Cattle HQ Live
Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss temperature and precipitation trends for South Dakota and projections for the coming decades.
Winter Pasture Report: How Winter Moisture Shapes Spring Grazing Decisions
While many people are happy to welcome a mild winter devoid of typical South Dakota blizzards, a lack of moisture is concerning as we look ahead to spring.
Fall Pasture Report: Considerations for Dormant Season Grazing
Recent fall rains across the region continue to improve soil moisture conditions in preparation for the dormant season. Unlike in years past, a fall green up has been in full swing for much of the region.
Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook
A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.
Are Fungicides Needed On Hail-Damaged Crops?
Recent storms brought rain, severe wind, and hail. With the hail and wind damage that occurred, many growers are wondering if a fungicide application is needed to protect their hail or wind-damaged crops.
Making Decisions With Hail-Damaged Row Crops
Late-season hail damage can leave growers wondering what to do next. Before deciding what to do with your hail-damaged fields, take some time to consider a variety of management options.
Soil Erosion Mitigation During Heavy Rainfall Events
Adopting soil health practices that minimize disturbance, increase surface cover and organic matter content, and keep roots growing in the soil can help to increase soil infiltration rates and reduce destruction of soil aggregates from heavy rain.
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: Protecting Your Operation
During periods of extreme heat, operations must take additional steps to protect their employees from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Summer Pasture Report: Discussing Rain, Pasture Recovery, and Preparing for Fall
Drought conditions across northern South Dakota have seen some relief due to the precipitation received in the past few months. Despite some decent rainfall occurring, most of the state is still behind normal for the water year.
May 2025 Drought and Climate Update
Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.