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.

It is not a matter of if a drought occurs, but when. View our drought planning resources to help develop your drought management plan to ensure that your operation is able to weather whatever mother nature throws at it.

View Drought Planning Resources

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

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Beef cattle grazing summer pasture.

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.

Aerial view of test plots at the Volga Research Farm.
Jul 22

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School

SDSU Extension will host the free Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Field School on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CDT at the SDSU Volga Research Farm (21200-, 21298 464th Ave., Volga, SD 57071). The farm is located about 2 miles south of Volga.

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

Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health.