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A soybean field with a large brown area due to a lightning strike.

Seeing Dead Soybean Plants in a Circular Pattern? Could Be Due to Lightning

While quite uncommon for lightning to damage row crops, it does happen. Thunderstorms can have lightning that can burn soybeans plants leading to their death.

SDSU Extension 4-H recognizes volunteers during 2025 State Fair

September 23, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to announce that the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame and 4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame will add six individuals on Aug. 31, 2025, during the 2025 South Dakota State Fair in Huron. In addition, eight individuals will be recognized for their outstanding 4-H volunteer service.

Two young boys at a table constructing a robot.

About 4-H

Learn about SDSU 4-H mission, values, history and initiatives. Discover the 4-H essential elements, learning model, and life skills that 4-H members will obtain through hands on learning. Discover the many different science, health, agriculture and citizenship projects available in the 4-H programs.

A woman preparing a jar of pickled cucumbers in a kitchen.

Modifying Canning Recipes

Understanding how swapping ingredients, adding ingredients, increasing or decreasing ingredients and making changes to processing plays a vital role in ensuring that home-canned products are safe.

Black beef cattle grazing forages in summer pasture.

High Nitrates and Pregnant Cows

Drought poses many challenges to the beef cow herd. When considering grazing pregnant females, it’s important to understand that grazing management is critical to avoid nitrate toxicity and potential abortions.

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

Variety of native grasses growing in a well-managed pasture.

Warm and Cool-Season Grasses

Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).

Herd of cattle grazing in a pasture rotation.

General Principals of Grazing Management

Grazing involves a number of variables, including land carrying capacity, type and distribution of the livestock, water distribution and number of pastures. A combination of proper grazing techniques and grassland management will improve harvest efficiency and lower production costs.

Two ranchers examining a fencline along a grassland property.

Designing a Grazing Program

The development of a successful grazing management program begins with a mental inventory and an observation of what is happening that you would like to change. Next, consider what you are willing to do to make that change.

SDSU Extension Welcomes New Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist

November 15, 2022

SDSU Extension is excited to welcome Graham (Geb) Bastian as a new Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist.