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Energize! Conference Rescheduled to October 7-8, 2020 in Milbank, SD

October 25, 2021

SDSU Extension is rescheduling the third annual Energize Conference to October 7-8, 2020 in order to comply with CDC guidelines and to protect the population from COVID-19.

A producer meeting with an employee in a farmyard.

Leading Through COVID-19 on the Farm and Ranch

Producers can be quick to adapt and utilize technology, but sometimes need a little nudge in other areas. COVID-19 sometimes feels like one of the areas that agriculture needs a nudge in.

A farm yard near a sprawling field of recently planted crops.

Planting Projections 2020

South Dakota producers recently indicated they plan to plant 12.9 million acres of corn, soybeans and wheat in 2020, plus an additional 620,000 acres of sunflowers, 345,000 acres of oats and 45,000 acres of barley, as well as 270,000 acres of sorghum and 11,000 acres of dry edible peas.

Screenshot of the SDSU Extension Net Income Tool displaying Corn Expected Net Income Per Acre for East Central South Dakota.

South Dakota Grain Net Income Tool

South Dakota producers can use the SDSU Extension Net Income Tool to monitor their expected net income per acre given their location, commodity of interest, and changes to market prices. The tool gathers the most-recent end-of-day market prices to determine the latest expected net income for wheat, corn, and soybeans in the different regions of the state.

A farmer observing an unplanted field at sunset.

2020 Planting Decisions

Planting decisions for this spring are complicated given the recent spread of COVID-19. A very busy planting season is approaching quickly. Input suppliers and farmers will be met with a requirement to complete tasks timely to evade economic losses from delays.

A man reviewing an information packet on creating a last will and testament.

End of Life Documents You Should Have in Place

COVID-19 infection and mortality rates fill the news programs. Across South Dakota and the nation, people are have made changes to their lifestyle and the way they accomplish many everyday activities. In response to this illness and the potential for long-term hospitalization and even death, individuals over 18 should also ensure their end of life documents are up-to-date.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Cash Flow and Income Considerations for S.D. Farms: Part 1

Grain farming is facing a reduced income outlook for 2020. Unpriced old crop revenue has decreased and projected revenue for 2020 crop is reduced. Offsetting these decreases are chances that some input prices may fall, fuel related expenses and possibly higher payments from commodity title programs.

Cash Flow and Income Considerations for S.D. Farms: Part 2

This is the second article of a two-part series examining cash flow and income for South Dakota grain farms. This article will look at crop insurance, prices for 2020 crops, and changes in input prices.

Livestock Market Disruptions

COVID-19 has affected the market availability for finished cattle and hogs. Some beef and pork processing facilities have closed for cleaning and social distancing of their employees. While some of these facilities have scheduled a date to reopen at reduced capacity, others remain closed with no announced plans to resume operations.

Several portions of ground beef being inspected at a meat processing facility.

Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat

If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.