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Creating Management Zones Using Electrical Conductivity

The first step to practicing zone management is to identify the variations that control yield. There are various methods for characterizing soil variations within a field, and among them, electrical conductivity measurement is one of the most-reliable.

Project to Study Soil Health Economics in South Dakota

Soil degradation has become one of the most pressing global issues, because of its adverse effects on world food security, environment and quality of life.

South Dakota 4-H’ers Step Up to End Mental Health Stigma

November 12, 2021

Hailey Stuck, Allison Fischer and Olivia Miller have certainly done their part in raising mental health awareness across the state over the last year, as each received a purple ribbon for their Mastery Showcase exhibits at the 2021 State Fair.

Determining an Economically Optimal Nitrogen Rate for Corn in 2022

While we can't know what the prices of corn and nitrogen fertilizer will be next year, it is very important to understand how the level of both prices will influence corn profitability for 2022.

Swath/Bale Grazing

Swath grazing and bale grazing are harvest systems that mesh haying and grazing techniques. Generally, the objective is to reduce labor and equipment expenses by allowing livestock to consume the hay crop in the field.

Hay Harvest Contracting

For those landowners who typically lease or harvest grasslands for hay, contracting for services is a learned business that can have local variations in how the grass and associated services are valued.

Fertilizing Grasslands

Grassland fertilization, like many other grassland management topics, is highly dependent on certain parameters, such as soil type, vegetation type and harvest methods.

Grazing Contracting

For those who own grasslands not typically grazed, or for those looking for a better contract basis, there are several grazing contract options that can be explored.

Winter Grazing

The predominant factor in winter grazing is ensuring adequate forage availability while considering long-term range health. When managed correctly, grazing winter range can be a viable option for controlling feed costs without negatively impacting rangelands.