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corn field with sunrise in the background

Corn

Nearly one out of every three dollars generated by South Dakota agriculture starts in a corn field. Two of every three rows of corn become ethanol.

A group of raised ground beds with crops growing in them at McCrory Gardens in Brookings, South Dakota.

Garden Hour

Make the most of your garden and landscaping with weekly insights and ideas from our team of experts.

Harvested, green tomatillo fruits on a brown paper bag.

Tomatillo: How to Grow It

Tomatillos are the lesser-known cousin of tomatoes, and they are commonly used in sauces or salsas. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing, and harvesting them in this resource!

Harvested tomatillos in a brown paper bag.

Tomatillos: Harvest and Storage

Tomatillos are an annual, warm-season crop with requirements similar to tomatoes. Learn how to select, grow, harvest and store them with this helpful guide!

Bright-yellow sunflowers growing in a field.

Sunflower Hybrid Variety Trial Results

In 2025, sunflower trials were planted in two locations in South Dakota.

Small group of black beef cattle in a pasture with a severe storm developing in the distance.

Hail and Bruising in Cattle

Bruising remains one of the leading causes of carcass trimming at harvest. While we can’t control the weather, proactive management can reduce performance losses and protect carcass quality.

4-H youth washing a black beef cow in preparation for a fair.

Fair Season Biosecurity

Fairs are a big part of youth livestock programs, but they come with a responsibility to care for animals the right way. With a few extra steps, you’ll be doing your part to keep your animals, your barn, and your community healthy, now and for the seasons to come.

Ranchers meeting with USDA agents in a farmyard.

A Disaster-Ready Strategy for Cattle Operations

Cattle producers can minimize risk and maximize resilience. Having a written emergency action plan and routine exercise of the plan helps ensure animal welfare and business continuity.

Three ranchers riding horseback in the summer sun.

Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke: Protecting Your Operation

During periods of extreme heat, operations must take additional steps to protect their employees from heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Left: Small group of cattle in a bud box pen. Right: Cattle gathered in a round tub structure.

Bud Box vs. Round Tub Systems

Cattle working systems have evolved, giving producers more options than ever before. Two of the most popular designs today are the bud box and the round tub.