Search

Nine youth stand behind a podium inside the South Dakota Capitol session chamber. A 4-H flag is draped in front.

4-H empowers youth voice through 2023 SDSU Extension 4-H Legislature Program

January 02, 2024

Nine 4-H legislators participated in the 2023 SDSU Extension 4-H Legislature program, which ended on Nov. 4 at the Capitol in Pierre. (SDSU Extension 4-H photo)

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil with worms and other living organisms throughout.

What Makes Up a Healthy Soil?

Healthy soil has strong soil structure that stays together whether it’s wet or dry. Learn about the many components that combine to make soil healthy.

A slatted floor with an open area. A hose is running into the open area.

New Technology for an Old Problem

One of the last projects I was involved with as coordinator for the Lower James River Watershed Project was the installation of a deep pit monoslope barn for a feedlot operation near Alexandria, SD. A deep pit confinement barn is a manure storage system that employs slatted flooring with pit manure storage underneath.

Farmer standing in a no-till field.

Farming Practice Comparisons in South Dakota: A case study across the fence and implications for the future

This extension study intends to provide some new insights on the financial and carbon storage comparisons between neighboring farms using conventional farming versus conservation practices (mainly no-till and cover crops).

Bobbi Eide poses with her awards

Gettysburg teen competes at international range management conference

February 09, 2024

Bobbi Eide, a sophomore at Gettysburg High School, represented the South Dakota chapter of the Society for Range Management from Jan. 28 to Feb. 1, 2024, at the meeting themed “Change on the Range.”

Sprawling rangeland enrolled in the conservation stewardship program.

SDSU Extension professionals win range management awards

February 12, 2024

Two South Dakota State University Extension experts have received awards from the Society for Range Management for their contributions to range science education and outreach.

The four members of the South Dakota FCS Skill-a-Thon stand with their green ribbons and holding a white sign that says FCS Skill-a-Thon at the 2024 National 4-H FCS Championship and Conference

4-H members from SD place at national FCS contest

February 13, 2024

South Dakota’s family and consumer sciences skill-a-thon team won fourth place overall and placed second in the life skills assessment, and Lake County 4-H member Sophia Sudenga placed second in presentation for constructed outfits in fashion revue at the 2024 National 4-H FCS Championship and Conference.

Vast, rolling agricultural landscape with a variety of plant life.

The Nitrogen Biochemical Cycle in Soil

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and is contained in many forms in the soil. Soil microbiology is essential for transforming nitrogen into different forms in the soil.

male youth giving a how-to demonstration

4-H Public Presentations Project

Presenting in front of others is one of the greatest, most important skills to learn and master. It can be scary, but with practice and tips learned through 4-H, you’ll be a pro in no time!

female youth presenting a black rabbit

4-H Rabbit Project

Your rabbit may live in the barn or in hutch in your yard; it may even be your house pet! No matter whether your rabbit is raised for meat or is your roommate, you can begin your journey in 4-H in the rabbit project.