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A patch of switchgrass growing at the edge of a field.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Planting Switchgrass on Marginal Lands

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, native, prairie grass that is often seeded on marginal lands in South Dakota. It has gained growing popularity over the past decade not only as a source of biofuel and feed, but also as a method to improve soil properties.

A young, freckled girl eating small, red tomatoes inside a greenhouse.

Agritourism

When a producer has decided to sell a product directly from the farm, entertainment or tourism-based activities could be incorporated to create larger appeal. Agritourism could add value to the farm visit though education, entertainment, outdoor recreation, dining, relaxation or other avenues, potentially drawing more customers in.

Sun rising at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Changes to the Commodity Title from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impact on South Dakota crops

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several changes to the Title I Commodity Programs. Learn how these changes may impact crops in South Dakota compared to crops grown in other regions in the United States.

A young girl with a notebook observing a sprig of flower blossoms.

Projects & Resources

For schools, this page serves as a compendium of evidence-based curricula that our local 4-H professionals can teach or share. This page provides parents and volunteers with project resources and easy-to-digest “hot sheets” for navigating the latest trends/issues affecting youth.

Rose Eitemiller holding a blue ribbon. She is standing next her horse in an arena.

Life Lessons Gained in 4-H

Rose Eitemiller started 4-H as a Cloverbud in Charles Mix County and has continued through her high school career. Along the way, she has learned lessons that she will take with her throughout life.

Pollinators Party

In this lesson, participants will learn how plants reproduce and how to identify pollinators that help plants.

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.