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Corn earlobe being stored in a bunker for later use as cattle feed.

Valuing High-Moisture Corn and Earlage

A key advantage to using commodities that meet standard specifications and are frequently traded is that it is very easy to establish an economic value that is accepted by most users. The marketplace sets the value of corn, and other feedstuffs on a daily basis, provided those products meet some set of standard specifications.

Producer unloading fresh, farm-grown produce from a delivery truck at a super market.

Regulatory Guidance for Selling Foods in South Dakota

Now more than ever, we are seeing food processors and entrepreneurs in South Dakota bringing their food products, not only to farmers markets, but also to retail stores. This article provides regulatory guidance and outlines the necessary steps required to allow for the sale of foods to retail stores.

Row of black cattle lined up at a feed bunk.

Live Cattle Basis

Futures prices are from organized trades that provide price information for buyers and sellers of commodities. Local cash prices can be compared to futures prices using a basis measure. With an expected basis measure, producers can observe futures prices and infer cash prices.

Black beef cattle at a feedbunk at an SDSU research facility.

Feeder Cattle Basis

Feeder cattle basis levels observed during 2025 specific to South Dakota locations were higher than expected throughout 2025 and sharply higher in November and December, perhaps reflecting a tight supply of feeder cattle nationally.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jun 19

Ag Economic Dialogues - June

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jul 17

Ag Economic Dialogues - July

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Aug 21

Ag Economic Dialogues - August

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Sep 18

Ag Economic Dialogues - September

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Oct 16

Ag Economic Dialogues - October

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Nov 20

Ag Economic Dialogues - November

This free, 1-hour webinar was created to assist farmers and ranchers in making the best and most profitable decisions for their operations.