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Vast, sprawling cornfield.

Large Farms Continue to Dominate South Dakota Crop Production

Based on the 2022 U.S. Census of Agriculture, large-scale farms operate more than two-thirds of the total cropland acres in South Dakota. Learn some expert insights about the trends driving this development.

Caregiver assisting an older adult woman through a memory exercise.

SDSU Extension supports caregiving plans for family farms

April 15, 2024

National Healthcare Decisions Day is April 15, 2024, and South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging family farm owners to make long-term caregiving decisions.

Graphic designer designing a logo on a computer based on a technical sketch.

The Crucial Role of Marketing for Small Businesses

For small enterprises especially, utilizing smart marketing techniques can make a significant difference in the visibility, credibility, and overall profitability of a business.

Various chemical symbols for common nutrients found in garden soil over a selection of young plants emerging from garden soil.

Interpreting Soil Tests for Gardening

There are many different chemicals that make up plants. These chemicals include hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, and chlorine.

A woman stands in a clothing store behind a pink shirt with geometric patterns

Energize conference inspires new Wessington Springs business owner

April 24, 2024

Dacia Mitchell opened Modest Moxie, a clothing boutique, in Wessington Springs after attending the 2023 SDSU Extension Energize conference.

Three photos of crested wheatgrass pastures in southwest South Dakota, showing the gradual effects of crested wheatgrass die-off.

Notes From the Range: Crested Wheatgrass Die-off

Crested wheatgrass die-offs occurred in South Dakota during the summer 2023. It was a noteworthy event and previously occurred in Montana several years prior. Learn where the die-offs occurred and what likely caused them.

Small group of bison grazing winter pasture.

Considerations for Winter Bison Management

Although many tools and techniques developed for cattle management have been adapted for bison, there are some stark differences between the two species that producers should consider when managing bison on winter range.

Black angus calf grazing spring pasture.

Monitoring Spring Precipitation and Range Conditions

Ideal grazing management balances the acts of grazing and recovery. Monitoring precipitation, soil moisture, and forage production can help producers make informed decisions for their herds and pastures.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring

In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2024

In 2024, grasshoppers are likely to cause problems in areas of South Dakota due to large populations that were present in 2023 and the relatively late first hard freeze date observed in much of the state.