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Plants or Crops

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Producer analyzing data on a series of screens inside a tractor equipped for precision agriculture.

Where could cyberattacks occur in a precision agriculture system? An outlook on the system breakup.

Precision agriculture relies on cyber-physical systems that bring together sensors, computers, the internet, and farm equipment. Despite its numerous benefits, it also brings some risks to farming practices.

Female producer viewing a ransomware warning on a computer screen in a farm office.

Ag Cybersecurity and Social Engineering 101

Social engineering is manipulating individuals to share confidential information and compromise security. By understanding the basics of social engineering, stakeholders can take proactive steps to ensure the resilience of agricultural systems against cyber threats.

Mixed cattle eating at a feedbunk.

How Much Silage Can I Feed To Finishing Cattle?

What effect does feeding increased amounts of corn silage have on beef cattle performance and system-wide efficiency? See what a set of recent SDSU Extension research experiments found out.

Black angus cattle eating from a feed bunk.

Feeding Hybrid Rye Grain to Cattle

Feedlot researchers at SDSU were approached to evaluate the potential for hybrid rye to be used in cattle finishing diets. See what they found in terms of cattle performance and feed efficiency.

group of cattle at feedbunk

Feeding Damaged Wheat to Cattle

Feeding damaged wheat to livestock is one way to salvage value from the crop. Wheat can work well in cattle diets with some limitations.

Pile of chopped silage in front of a tractor.

Does Kernel Processing Silage Pay for Growing and Finishing Beef Cattle?

Kernel processing involves passing harvested silage through a set of rollers mounted on the chopper. But does this extra step result in improved efficiency and reduced costs of gain?

Tractor loading a liquid manure applicator in a bare field.

Swine Manure for Spring Planting

Did you know that swine manure is a valuable fertilizer that offers many benefits? Learn how it can be used to promote healthy plant growth, improve soil fertility, and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers.

black cattle lined up at a feedbunk

Using Corn Wisely for Replacement Heifers

Producers’ goals are to maximize returns and this could be achieved through least-cost rations that provide the desired performance.

A companion planting of kale, pole beans, and marigolds in a small garden plot.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Integrated pest management is an environmentally conscious approach to managing insects, weeds and disease. By focusing on natural processes, growers use pest control methods beginning with the least toxic and amplifying the pest control needs gradually if problems persist.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Your Cash Crop Flooded Out. What’s Plan B?

With significantly higher than normal precipitation in eastern South Dakota, many producers will soon be seeking a "Plan B" for their flooded-out row crops.