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A grassland plot with a variety of exotic grass plantings growing throughout.

Grassland Fertilization: Exotic Grass Planting Case Studies - McPherson and Jerauld Counties

Our previous installment of this series discussed the effects of fertilization on native grassland plantings. This last installment addresses the options for fertilization on low-diversity exotic grassland plantings.

Three people smile for the camera with bison and rolling hills in the background

Bringing happy, healthy bison back to the Great Plains

January 17, 2025

There are approximately 400,000 bison across North America, down from 30 to 60 million prior to the 1860s. South Dakota has the largest bison population in the U.S. with nearly 40,000, and Martin hopes to see it keep rising.

The University of Nebraska Lincoln Haskell Lab is pictured, a brown brick building in the foreground with fields and farm buildings in the background

SDSU Extension, UNL Extension offering heifer development program

October 26, 2023

Producers can apply this fall to enroll heifers at the Great Plains Heifer Development Center at the UNL Haskell Beef Lab near Concord, Nebraska. Nebraska and South Dakota producers will receive priority, but producers from bordering states will be accepted if space is available.

Hereford calf nursing from mother cow.

Video Series, ‘Tuesday Night Live’ Explores Alternative Calving Dates

March 01, 2021

The South Dakota Grassland Coalition and SDSU Extension have released a 25-video series featuring ranchers from across the state who discovered the benefits of matching calving to their ranch resources.

A Dairy Manager working with an employee to determine breeding protocols on the SDSU Dairy Research and Teaching Unit

Coaching for Performance

One of the most difficult things for farm managers/owners to master is coaching employees for optimal performance.

a herd of sheep standing in a pasture

SDSU Extension Accepting Applications for Emerging Sheep Producers Program

May 04, 2023

Applications are now available for the SDSU Extension Emerging Sheep Producers Program, a program designed for producers who want to increase their knowledge of the sheep industry and improve their skills needed to be successful shepherds.

Rancher and marketing consultant meeting in a cattle pasture.

Economic Contribution of the South Dakota Beef Industry

From added value to the economy to jobs throughout the state, the widespread impact of the South Dakota beef industry may surprise you. Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist, examines some highlights from recent economic research.

A newborn calf with its mother in a snowy field

Will Health Effects Linger in Beef Calves Following Harsh Spring Weather?

Beef herds calving in late winter or early spring flirt with disaster annually when it comes to bitter weather conditions. It’s a rare year when a prolonged cold snap or snowstorm doesn’t occur during this critical period. In the throes of those weather conditions, calf health and even survival can be directly affected.

A hog farmer and employee conducting training inside a modern swine facility.

Staying on Top of Employee Training

Employees are one of the most valuable assets to a successful farm. Successful farms implement on-boarding of new employees and provide continued training to ensure proficiency and consistency in job duties.

Piglets feeding in a farrowing stall.

Registration open for 2026-2027 SowBridge educational webinars

January 27, 2026

Registration is open for the 2026-2027 educational SowBridge webinar series, which starts on Feb. 4, 2026.