Search

A South Dakota Mesonet station in a snow-covered field.

Livestock Stress Tool

Weather conditions in the Northern Plains can present more than a few challenges for livestock producers. From below zero or blizzard conditions during winter or even spring, to heat waves in the summer months, farmers and ranchers need to be prepared for rapidly changing conditions to provide the best care for their livestock and minimize their risks of losses.

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.

SDSU Extension staff members win national agricultural association awards

October 23, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.

Black angus calf grazing spring pasture.

Monitoring Spring Precipitation and Range Conditions

Ideal grazing management balances the acts of grazing and recovery. Monitoring precipitation, soil moisture, and forage production can help producers make informed decisions for their herds and pastures.

Frozen vegetable aisle at a grocery store.

Fresh May Not Always Be Best

To have a healthy diet all year long, consider all options (fresh, frozen, and canned) when it comes to eating fruits and vegetables.

Several cows and cow-calf pairs at pasture.

Nov 10

Range Beef Cow Symposium

The 2025 Range Beef Cow Symposium will be hosted by the University of Wyoming in Cheyenne, Wyoming, on November 10 and 11.

A hog farmer and employee conducting training inside a modern swine facility.

Staying on Top of Employee Training

Employees are one of the most valuable assets to a successful farm. Successful farms implement on-boarding of new employees and provide continued training to ensure proficiency and consistency in job duties.

White silken tube with dark colored ends on a light background.

What’s Leaving These White Skins on My Lawn?

There have been many reports by homeowners of birds pulling out white, cigarette-looking tubes from their lawns. These tubes are silken tunnel linings created by the cigarette paper webworm.

Soybean leaves with several bright green lesions progressing into tears with brown crusting along the edges.

Bacterial Blight Common in Soybean Fields

Several soybean fields scouted the week of July 15, 2019 were found with bacterial blight developing. The frequent rains experienced in most soybean growing counties have led to the development of this disease. Bacterial blight affected leaves are most evident on younger leaves in the upper canopy.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Range Improvements, Grazing Systems and Net Present Value, What is the Right Balance?

As farms and ranches across South Dakota continue to endure increasing costs of production while receiving less cash for grain and livestock marketed; ranch managers must be extra diligent when implementing new range improvements and grazing systems on their ranches.