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A patch of switchgrass growing at the edge of a field.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Planting Switchgrass on Marginal Lands

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, native, prairie grass that is often seeded on marginal lands in South Dakota. It has gained growing popularity over the past decade not only as a source of biofuel and feed, but also as a method to improve soil properties.

A green tractor planting seeds in a no-till field. Courtesy: United Soybean Board [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Crop Rotations and No-Till

Implementing crop rotations and no-till practices are common suggestions to reduce erosion, control pests, and improve yields. These practices can also improve soil health through an increase in soil carbon levels.

Cover crops growing in a field of harvested corn.

Utilizing Cover Crops for Grazing: An Assessment on Economic Benefits

Grazing cover crops by cattle provides an option to offset cover crop seed costs and increase farm revenue. To facilitate farmers’ decision making, this article will evaluate the economic profitability from grazing cattle on cover crops using a partial budgeting approach.

a group of people gathered after a conference

Agritourism Workshop helps South Dakota producers identify opportunities

March 27, 2020

Opportunities in agritourism for South Dakota farmers and ranchers were shared at the Agritourism Workshop held Feb. 20-21 in Pierre.

A sump pump and emergency backup battery set up in a basement. Courtesy: Jeff Covey (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Flooding and Sump Pumps

For many homes with a basement or crawl space, a sump pump and drainage system can help reduce the risk of a basement flooding from high water table situations. Here are a few tips for making sure your sump pump is working as it should, and you are not causing problems for your neighbors downstream.

A small town main street.

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.

series of red cells representing coronavirus

SDSU Extension Continues Outreach Efforts During COVID-19 Pandemic

April 03, 2020

While offices throughout the state are closed, SDSU Extension experts remain available remotely and encourage the public to reach out to them via email or by phone.

a map of South Dakota's grasslands.

SDSU Extension Receives National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Award for South Dakota Native Habitats Study

December 21, 2020

An SDSU Extension native habitats research project recently received a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation award to support an ongoing effort to identify native habitats in South Dakota.

A color-coded precipitation probability map of the United States. The majority of South Dakota is predicted to have wetter than average precipitation, with the highest likelihood being in the southwest corner of the state. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

May 2020 Climate Outlook

On April 16, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their climate outlook for May and the coming three-month period of May through July. There is a lot of uncertainty in the temperature outlook for the next one-to-three months in the Northern Plains Region.

Teardrop shaped tick with a dark brown body and legs and an elongate white patch behind its head.

Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota

The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.