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series of red cells representing coronavirus

SDSU Extension Continues Outreach Efforts During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 03, 2020

While offices throughout the state are closed, SDSU Extension experts remain available remotely and encourage the public to reach out to them via email or by phone.

a large group of 4-H members and supporters standing on the Capitol stairs

South Dakota 4-H Hosts Inaugural Capitol Day Event

April 03, 2020

More than 160 4-H members and supporters from across South Dakota joined together for the inaugural South Dakota 4-H Capitol Day in Pierre on January 15.

young male 4-H member showing a hereford heifer

Competitions

Discover the main venues that our 4-H'ers ‘get their competitive juices flowing.'

a map of South Dakota's grasslands.

SDSU Extension Receives National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Award for South Dakota Native Habitats Study

December 21, 2020

An SDSU Extension native habitats research project recently received a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation award to support an ongoing effort to identify native habitats in South Dakota.

A color-coded precipitation probability map of the United States. The majority of South Dakota is predicted to have wetter than average precipitation, with the highest likelihood being in the southwest corner of the state. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

May 2020 Climate Outlook

On April 16, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their climate outlook for May and the coming three-month period of May through July. There is a lot of uncertainty in the temperature outlook for the next one-to-three months in the Northern Plains Region.

a young boy in a red shirt running

South Dakota 4-H Hosts Operation: Healthy Habits Challenge

October 08, 2021

During these unprecedented and occasionally sedentary times, South Dakota 4-H is encouraging South Dakota residents to get active, be active and stay active by participating in the Operation: Healthy Habits Challenge.

Teardrop shaped tick with a dark brown body and legs and an elongate white patch behind its head.

Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota

The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.

A small black bug with tan margins on the wings. This insect is resting on a blade of grass that is green with white spots.

Black Grass Bug Activity Expected in Coming Weeks

Spring green-up is the time to be watching for black grass bug activity. Large populations of this early-season pest can cause severe damage to pasture (up to 90% forage reduction) and infest the edges of wheat fields.

A field of no-till soybeans and corn.

Crop Residue, Cover Crops Impact on Soil Health Parameters

Interest in no-till and cover crops has been on the rise among South Dakota crop producers. In 2019, half of South Dakota crop ground was under no-till management and about 900,000 acres were planted to cover crops.

A map of South Dakota illustrating soil temperatures on April 21, 2020. Temperatures throughout the state range from 41 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information, visit: https://climate.sdstate.edu/archive/maps/

Soil Temperature for Planting Spring Crops

Soil temperature is an important consideration for deciding when to begin planting spring crops. If producers in South Dakota would like a quick reference for soil temperatures in their area, the SD Mesonet network measures soil temperature at several weather stations throughout the state.