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Cattle gathered in a sale barn.

Purchasing Bred Females

Weaning time is here and the decision to retain or sell heifers is front and center. Regardless of your decision, there is opportunity to purchase bred females and increase the calves available to market next season in a strong market.

Interior of a large dairy barn.

Dairy Production in South Dakota: Growth and Consolidation

Research has found continued growth in dairy production in South Dakota over the past two decades, with most growth concentrated in large operations in Eastern South Dakota, indicating a trend of consolidation with large farms in concentrated regions.

Swarm of mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus Update: September 10, 2025

As of September 10, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health (SD DOH) reported 59 human cases of West Nile virus from Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Codington, Corson, Grant, Gregory, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Sanborn, Spink, and Walworth counties.

A female Hessian fly on a blade of wheat.

Hessian Fly: Winter Wheat Planting Date Considerations

As winter wheat planting rapidly approaches, there are many factors that should be considered. One of those factors is choosing a planting date to avoid Hessian fly issues. Learn some expert tips for selecting a safe planting date for your region.

Herd of bison behind a fencline in a pasture.

Getting Started With Bison Ranching

While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.

Four people stand on the 20-yard line of a football field. There are two men on the far left and far right. In the middle is a man handing a woman a wooden plaque in the shape of South Dakota.

Rook named 2025 Friend of the Beef Industry

September 15, 2025

Michelle Rook has been named the 2025 Recipient of the South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry award for her contributions to the South Dakota beef industry.

Rye test plots

Rye Variety Trial Results

2025 Rye Variety Trial Results in South Dakota.

Green and brown grasshopper with two yellow lines that originate on the head and meet on the abdomen.

Monitor Emerging Winter Wheat for Grasshopper Populations

Large grasshopper populations have been observed in many areas of South Dakota. It is important to scout winter wheat fields for grasshoppers before and after planting, especially in areas where large populations have been identified.

Cow grazing on sudangrass.

SDSU Extension welcomes new crop and livestock field specialist

September 12, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Parker Witt as a new Crop and Livestock Field Specialist.

Multi-rotor drone used for spray, spread and seeding

Required Licensing For Applying Pesticide Using Spray Drones

Fact sheet for South Dakota stakeholders wanting to get certified to apply pesticides with a spray drone.