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Herd of black beef cattle grazing summer pasture.

Drought-Stressed Forage: Nitrate Considerations

While drought-stressed forages can provide valuable feed, they may also carry an increased risk of nitrate accumulation. Producers should be aware of before grazing, harvesting, and feeding these forages.

mostly black cattle stand around a dugout with water. the grass is green and the sky is blue

SDSU Extension provides free livestock water testing

May 28, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is encouraging producers to take advantage of its free, on-site livestock water testing services across the state.

Group of local foods education center staff inside high tunnel.

Growing Connections: An Organizational Map of the South Dakota Local Food System

Behind every farmer’s market, community supported agriculture share, or local food event is a network of advocates, educators, and organizations that make it all possible. The South Dakota Local Food System map illustrates the organizations that strengthen local food through a variety of roles and functions.

Deadwood, South Dakota buildings with Black Hills in the background

Community

Resources to support communities, organizations, leaders and businesses.

Beef steer eating hay
Jun 16

Siouxland Feedlot Forum

SDSU Extension and Nebraska Extension will host the Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 16 from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (385 East 4th St, South Sioux City, NE 68776).

Small group of cattle at the SDSU Cow-Calf Education and Research Facility.

Basis for Lighter-Weight Feeder Cattle

With higher overall price levels, the price differences across cattle of different weights have also increased. As a result, producers may want to revisit some pricing rules reflected in price slides and in basis levels for lighter-weight feeder cattle.

sun rising over South Dakota field

Agriculture

Both livestock and crops are essential to South Dakota's agricultural industry.

Cattle stand next to a watering hole in a pasture

SDSU Extension hosts drought meetings on June 17

June 04, 2026

SDSU Extension will hold free regional drought meetings on June 17, 2026, in response to current moderate to severe drought conditions affecting agriculture in southern South Dakota.

Two young producers inspecting a herd of cattle in early spring pasture.
Jun 19

Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training @ Sioux Falls

A Beef Quality Assurance training will be held on June 19 from 2:30-4:45 p.m. for anyone involved in raising or handling cattle.

two men viewing a laptop on the hood of a white pickup

Beef Quality Assurance

South Dakota producers have the option to receive beef quality assurance (BQA) certification.