Drought

Weathering drought conditions takes awareness, preparation and proactive management.

SDSU Extension helps farms, families and communities stay ahead of drought impacts through timely climate updates, business insights and the latest research-tested management tips for farms, ranches and properties of all sizes.

View our drought resources by category  using the navigation below, or subscribe to our newsletters for the latest information and updates from our experts around the state.

Subscribe Now

Resources

Weather station at the edge of a large, open pasture.

Climate

Stay up-to-date with drought developments through regular drought monitor reports, weather forecasts and climate updates.

Hybrid corn seeds being loaded into a planter.

Crops

Manage your cropland proactively through all stages of drought with our planting, harvest and pest/disease control resources.

Group of black angus cattle under a hot sun.

Livestock

Protect your animals and your bottom line with expert health, nutrition and management resources for dry conditions.

Producer inspecting rangeland in an ATV with his dog following behind.

Range and Land Management

Prepare your range, land and natural resources for prolonged dry periods with research-tested recommendations from our experts.

Producer and crop consultant reviewing paperwork at a desk.

Business/Economics

Defend your bottom line against drought impacts with timely market insights and business resources.

Wheel barrel full of plant trimmings in a drought-stressed garden.

Gardening and Landscaping

View expert recommendations for managing gardens, lawns and trees through extended dry spells.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Crops

While drought-stressed crops can be utilized as forage for livestock, there are many factors to consider before harvesting. To help producers navigate through these issues, SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition released the, “Salvaging Drought Stressed Crops” video series. Every farm and ranch face its own unique challenges and this information is intended to be applied as producers see fit to their own personal situations.

Use these links to view each video or visit the entire playlist.

Related Topics

Drought: Business/Economics, Drought: Climate, Drought: Crops, Drought: Gardening and Landscaping, Drought: Home and Community, Drought: Livestock, Drought: Range and Land Management, Climate

Related Content

Brown and white cow grazing on standing cornstalks

Considerations for Grazing Standing Corn

Grazing standing corn is a viable option to supply nutrients to livestock. However, mitigating risk is critical to ensure healthy animals and optimize crops.

Small group of cattle grazing near a sorghum field at sunset.

Prussic Acid Precautions

During periods of drought, it is important to aware of the factors that can be a concern during these conditions, specifically nitrates and prussic acid. It is important to take precautions when using feeds that could contain one or both compounds.

Color-coded map of the United States showing Precipitation outlook for October to December 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions for most of South Dakota in the coming three months.

2021 Fall and Early Winter Climate Outlook

The latest monthly and seasonal climate outlooks were released Sept. 16, 2021 by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Prediction Center. Forecasters are pointing towards a warmer than average October, with odds leaning towards drier conditions for the last few months of the year.