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Young, female scientist analyzing genetic code in a laboratory.

How Do Genetics Impact Animal Well-Being?

Genetic engineering is a promising tool that could be used to improve animal welfare while lowering costs of production.

group of dairy workers observing manure storage facility. Photo by Kari Cohen, NRCS.

Dealing With Emergency Manure Runoff

With the recent flooding that the region has experienced and snowmelt that is yet to come, it is essential for livestock operators with animal waste management systems to regularly check on structures in order to prevent a manure storage spill.

A map of South Dakota's counties with lines dividing the counties into eight regions

35 years of the SDSU Extension Farm Real Estate Market Survey

January 09, 2026

When Larry Janssen learned that one of his most frequently used land sales databases was no longer available, the South Dakota State University Professor Emeritus of Economics and his colleague, Burton Pflueger, former SDSU Extension economist, launched their own survey in 1991.

Ree Reich of Belle Fourche Named Eminent Leader in Agriculture, Family and Community

January 21, 2022

A mother to four, Ree Reich served as a 4-H leader for 40 years and remains an advocate and volunteer fundraiser for the organization.

A home with ample defensible space throughout the property.

Protecting Your Home and Landscape Against Wildfires

Wildfires pose a significant risk in western South Dakota, particularly within the Black Hills region, where periods of minimal precipitation can lead to drought conditions that elevate fire risk.

Group of children preparing for a summer swimming lesson outside the SDSU Wellness Center.

How much physical activity does my child or teen need? How much is too much?

Physical activity plays a crucial role in development for children and teens, and it's important to understand how much they need each day while also protecting them from overload and burnout.

Green leaves emerge from the soil as old brown stems are falling over in a garden covered in brown leaves.

Spring Garden Maintenance

With a little planning and foresight, spring garden preparation can be a manageable task that allows you to enjoy working outside while waiting on warmer days for planting.

SDSU provides updated recommendations on soil tarping

June 08, 2026

South Dakota State University has published new recommendations on soil tarping that can help producers manage weeds.

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

Financial Measures for South Dakota Farms

Farm and ranch businesses have a sizeable investment in equipment, buildings, land, and livestock. These investments require their owners and managers to remain knowledgeable about the financial condition of their business. The information to calculate measures of financial performance can be found in their farm record books or accounting system.

pine tree damaged by mountain pine beetle

Insecticides for Protecting Pine Trees from Mountain Pine Beetle

There are no effective systemic pesticide treatments that will kill mountain pine beetle larvae inside the tree or adults as they emerge from an infested tree. Pesticide treatments are limited to protecting trees from becoming infested. These treatments are applied to the bark to kill the adult beetles as they land on the trunk and begin to burrow into the tree. This method of protection is highly effective and if the pesticides are applied at right time, losses may be as few as one or two trees for every hundred trees treated. However, only trees that are not infested should be treated. If a tree is already infested, pesticide application will not prevent the beetles from emerging and infested other trees.