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apples and bananas sitting on a plate next to a set of blue hand weights and a body measuring tape

Rev It Up! curriculum

A nutrition and physical activity curriculum for high schoolers.

Various chemical symbols for common nutrients found in garden soil over a selection of young plants emerging from garden soil.

Interpreting Soil Tests for Gardening

There are many different chemicals that make up plants. These chemicals include hydrogen, carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, molybdenum, cobalt, and chlorine.

Three photos of crested wheatgrass pastures in southwest South Dakota, showing the gradual effects of crested wheatgrass die-off.

Notes From the Range: Crested Wheatgrass Die-off

Crested wheatgrass die-offs occurred in South Dakota during the summer 2023. It was a noteworthy event and previously occurred in Montana several years prior. Learn where the die-offs occurred and what likely caused them.

Small group of bison grazing winter pasture.

Considerations for Winter Bison Management

Although many tools and techniques developed for cattle management have been adapted for bison, there are some stark differences between the two species that producers should consider when managing bison on winter range.

Black angus calf grazing spring pasture.

Monitoring Spring Precipitation and Range Conditions

Ideal grazing management balances the acts of grazing and recovery. Monitoring precipitation, soil moisture, and forage production can help producers make informed decisions for their herds and pastures.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring

In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2024

In 2024, grasshoppers are likely to cause problems in areas of South Dakota due to large populations that were present in 2023 and the relatively late first hard freeze date observed in much of the state.

A dark bodied insect with large wings and red eyes sitting on a tree twig. There are green leaves behind it and many tan insect shells.

I heard cicadas are having a big year. Are they coming to South Dakota?

Cicadas are making headlines—specifically the periodical cicadas in Brood XIII and Brood XIX. Both both broods are in the Midwest and are geographically close together. Find out where you can expect to see them this spring.

Several, U.S. fancy-grade peppers in a yellow bin.

Did the Deer Persevere? 2023 Evaluation of Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Pepper Production in Eastern South Dakota

Research report analyzing the relationship between four different clover species and four different soil management practices and their effects on pepper growth and yield as well as weed suppression.

Clover pathways after being mowed with sunsetting in the background.

Broccolini Performance in Three Established Clover Living Mulches in Eastern South Dakota

Research report determining the impact of three established clover species on weed suppression, crop growth, and broccolini yield.