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Corn Seed Treatment Effects on Soil Microbial Activity and Grain Yield at the 2022 Soil Health School

A recent research project at the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition's Soil Health School investigated the impact of omitting corn seed treatments on plant stands, microbial activity and grain yields. The findings may surprise you!

SDSU meat counter decorated for the holidays. Four employees stand at the front counter smiling.

Direct Marketing Lamb: Selling to the Ethnic Market

The ethnic market plays a crucial role in the success of the American lamb industry. Learn some keys to success for taking advantage of seasonal demand and price fluctuations in this growing market, including when and where to sell.

Feed truck loading up a feedlot feed bunker.

Incorporating Corn Into Beef Cow Rations Can Save Forage and Feed Expenses

For operations with the right facilities and management ability, replacing forage with corn can stretch forage supplies and potentially reduce feed costs.

Several rows of broccoli plants with varying planting treatments.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for broccoli production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Row of pepper plants growing among a bed of white clovers.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Pepper Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for pepper production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

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Grain Merchant and Processor Consolidation, Concentration, and Competition

A general trend in the last century has been for greater consolidation among Grain Merchants and Oilseed Millers and Processors. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks the number of firms and/or establishments and value of sales (market size) by industry sector every 5 years as a part of the Economic Census. In addition to the number of firms and sales, the Census Bureau publishes concentration ratios for each sector. One concentration ratio they publish is the amount of sales attributed to the four largest firms in that sector. The percentage of sales of the 4 largest firms is a measure that aids in identifying the type of market structure that exists.

Producer reviewing an aid application with a USDA FSA agent.

Livestock Loss Assistance Available

Has your operation experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of livestock due to weather? Financial assistance may be available through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program.

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Ag Land Values Decrease Statewide on Average

From 1991 to 2015, agricultural land values in South Dakota, and in most other major agricultural production states, appreciated each year. In 2016 on average all agricultural use land decreased in South Dakota except rangeland, which will be discussed in a future article.

Caregivers for Home Modification

Home modification can improve the quality of life of for caregivers by making it easier to help with everyday tasks. Learn three unique caregiver stories about the challenges faced while caring for loved ones at home.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2023

As temperatures warm up, degree days will accumulate more rapidly, and alfalfa weevils could quickly become an issue. See our latest observations from around the state.