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![Cover crops growing in a field of harvested corn.](/sites/default/files/2020-03/W-00528-00-cover-crops-corn-grazing-soil-rotation.jpg)
Utilizing Cover Crops for Grazing: An Assessment on Economic Benefits
Grazing cover crops by cattle provides an option to offset cover crop seed costs and increase farm revenue. To facilitate farmers’ decision making, this article will evaluate the economic profitability from grazing cattle on cover crops using a partial budgeting approach.
![A male producer analyzing records on an office computer.](/sites/default/files/2020-04/W-00540-00-farm-business-management-records-economics-book-keeping-finances.jpg)
What Kind of Records Are You Keeping?
Measurement of the actions and efforts of everyday life on the farm or ranch leads to better management and efficiency. Many farmers and ranchers keep many records. Utilization of the records for improved management would be the next step to take to improve efficiency.
![A farm yard near a sprawling field of recently planted crops.](/sites/default/files/2020-04/W-00543-00-planting-crop-management-business-decisions-farm.jpg)
Planting Projections 2020
South Dakota producers recently indicated they plan to plant 12.9 million acres of corn, soybeans and wheat in 2020, plus an additional 620,000 acres of sunflowers, 345,000 acres of oats and 45,000 acres of barley, as well as 270,000 acres of sorghum and 11,000 acres of dry edible peas.
![various white charts and bar graphs on a blue background](/sites/default/files/2019-03/02-05-01-23-Economics-Business-Marketing_0.jpg)
Grain Storage Calculator
An Excel based spreadsheet for corn, soybean, spring and winter wheat producers.
![A red, tractor-mounted sprayer with its tank being flushed by a hose connected to a large truck.](/sites/default/files/2020-02/W-00485-00-sprayer-crop-treatment-tank-cleaning.jpg)
General Cleaning Recommendations for Sprayer Equipment
Crop damage could occur if sprayer clean-out is overlooked or not properly conducted. It is critical to always follow the procedure specified on the herbicide or commercial cleaner label to completely remove herbicide residue from the sprayer system.
![A green tractor, pulling a red, high-clearance planter through a field of emerging corn.](/sites/default/files/2020-02/W-00488-02-interseeding-cover-crops-planter-high-clearance.jpg)
Interseeding Cover Crops Effect on Corn and Soybean Production: 2019
Incorporating cover crops into our cropping systems and moving from conventional tillage to no-till can improve soil organic matter, soil structure, and water and nutrient holding capacity of our soils.
![An unplanted field with weeds growing throughout.](/sites/default/files/2020-02/W-00490-00-crops-weeds-seed-planting.jpg)
Managing Weed Seed in 2020
Producers need to plan in advance on how to deal with bare fields that contain an overabundance of weeds. Weeds in these fields have deposited significant amount of seeds on the soil surface, which can easily germinate when adequate moisture and temperature are available.
![Woody looking zucchini plant.](/sites/default/files/2019-09/W-00400-01-zucchini-plant-injury-feeding.jpg)
What’s Killing My Zucchini and Squash Plants?
For many of us, this time of year is tough for our zucchini, squash and pumpkin plants. A close inspection of wilting plants may reveal a sawdust-like substance around the soil surface or on the base of the stem. When pushed, the plants typically break and reveal clear evidence of insect feeding through the stem.
![Three, four-wheel drive John Deere tractors, pushing up chopped corn silage into a drive over pile on a dairy farm.](/sites/default/files/2019-09/W-00401-01-silage-packing-pile-equipment.jpg)
Harvesting Silage on a Wet Year: Moisture is Critical
Fall is on its way in South Dakota. However, with many flooded and saturated fields, some producers are growing concerned that there will be little opportunity to harvest silage before corn dries down past desired moisture levels or frost occurs.
![a map of the United States with different colors showing the precipitation outlook variations.](/sites/default/files/2019-09/W-00405-01-precip-map.gif)
Fall Frost and September Climate Outlook for 2019
September 2019 has been pleasantly warmer than usual, and our crops need every bit of that warmth to reach maturity before our first frost arrives. Fortunately, temperatures have cooled slightly this week but just to near average for this time of year.