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Interior of a large dairy barn.

Dairy Production in South Dakota: Growth and Consolidation

Research has found continued growth in dairy production in South Dakota over the past two decades, with most growth concentrated in large operations in Eastern South Dakota, indicating a trend of consolidation with large farms in concentrated regions.

Left: A corn ear showing Gibberella ear rot symptoms. Right: A prematurely dried corn stalk split to reveal pith disintegration due to stalk rot.

Corn Ear Rots and Stalk Rots: The Last Issues To Check for in Corn Before Combining

Before combining corn, it is recommended to scout your field for corn ear rots and stalk rots. It is important to scout corn fields for these two issues in order to make timely decisions on corn combining.

Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

Hail-damaged corn field.

Are Fungicides Needed on Crops Damaged by Wind, Sand Blasting or Hail?

When extreme weather brings hail and sand blasting to fields, many growers wonder if a fungicide application is needed afterwards to protect wounded plants from bacterial diseases.

A screenshot of an aerial map view with a pin showing where the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field-South is

SDSU Extension to host third annual Specialty Crop Field Day in Brookings

September 06, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension’s horticulture team invites everyone to attend the 2023 Specialty Crop Field Day.

A close shot of a black and red cow's face. A blurred white cow's head is in the foreground.

Testing Your Beef Cattle for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is among the most important pathogens affecting today’s beef and dairy cattle operations. Associated with reproductive, digestive, and respiratory illnesses in cattle, the virus can also create a congenital, persistent infection in calves, greatly aiding the virus’ spread within and between herds.

Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

South Dakota 4-H Awards 2021 Scholarships

July 28, 2021

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and South Dakota 4-H are proud to announce the 2021 State 4-H Scholarship recipients.

Producer administering an implant in a calf.

Implanting Nursing Calves

Implanting nursing calves is a cost-effective way to increase weaning weight and improve your financial bottom-line. Learn some expert tips for choosing the right implant for your operation.

Cow with newborn calf in late-winter pasture.

Preparing for the Calving Season

Calving season is a busy time of year as beef producers prepare themselves for less sleep each night, while spending more time observing cows close to calving. So, what can we do to make calving season less stressful for everyone involved?

Five youth stand in front of banners holding a sign that says "South Dakota"

SDSU Extension 4-H members compete at national FCS contest

February 20, 2025

The FCS skill-a-thon team won fifth place in the life skills assessment. The team members were Anna Johnson, Norman Johnson and Ada Sharp, of Brown County; and Mercedes Jones, of Buffalo/Jerauld counties. Their team coach is Aubrey Anderson, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator, Minnehaha County. Samantha Brenden, of Clark County, placed fourth in modeling and fifth overall for a constructed outfit in fashion revue.