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Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

a windmill in front of a sunset

SDSU Extension to Host Workshop Series for Next Generation Land Seekers

July 27, 2022

SDSU Extension will host online workshops for beginning farmers and ranchers looking for land. The series takes place every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. CDT/5:30 p.m. MT from Sept. 1-Oct. 20.

Producer holding soil in cupped hands over a bare field in early spring.

Carbon to Nitrogen Ratio of Healthy Soils

The ratio of carbon to nitrogen in the soil is essential for soil biochemical functioning. Learn some expert tips on managing soil to create an ideal ratio of these critical elements.

Plant profiles of purple prairie clover, white prairie clover, and golden prairie clover.

Prairie Clovers of South Dakota

Many of us are familiar with the white clover growing in our lawns or the yellow sweet clover growing in rangelands, but did you know that South Dakota has several native prairie clovers that are beneficial for pollinators, birds, and wildlife?

Monarch butterfly visiting a blanket flower near a backyard garden.

SDSU Extension to host Backyard Natural Resources series

May 01, 2025

South Dakota State University is pleased to announce the second year of its virtual Backyard Natural Resources series on May 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2025.

Sample USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey output. Orange boundaries mark different soil zones on a satellite photo.

Precision Agriculture and Zone Management

Precision agriculture tools can address the variations in a production system to enhance plant growth and crop yield. Zone management controls the variable rate of inputs for optimal performance within a defined field zone.

Webcam view of the Groton mesonet station.

Climate, Weather and Fire/Fuels Update: October 2, 2023

Across South Dakota, some localized storms and showers brought rain in many parts of the state last week, while weekly average temperatures were two to ten degrees above typical for this time of year.

Well-managed grassland area adjacent to a wetland.

Private Property vs. Public Access: Managing Non-Meandering Waters in South Dakota's Prairie Pothole Region

Fact sheet on managing non-meandering waters in South Dakota's prairie pothole region.

cattle grazing early spring pasture

Grass Tetany: Now Is the Time To Prepare

Grass tetany is a metabolic disorder associated with grazing lush, rapidly growing pastures. Learn the factors that influence its progression along with tips for preventing and managing it in herds.

Tick that is dark brown to black in color with a reddish-orange abdomen.

Protecting Yourself From Ticks

During wet springs, tick populations tend to thrive in South Dakota. These parasitic arthropods require blood to fulfill their nutritional needs and commonly use humans as a host. Some ticks can also carry bacterial diseases that are a threat to human health.