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Instructor leading a proctored exam in an agriculture classroom.

South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Testing

New commercial pesticide applicators and those that have allowed their licenses to lapse must pass commercial pesticide applicator exams to receive certification. Learn about some some helpful resources, contacts, and tips to help you be successful in your certification testing.

A stock pond with noticable blue-green algae bloom throughout.

Blue-Green Algae and Livestock

With warmer temperatures, the conditions are right for blue-green algae blooms. Different species of blue-green algae contain various toxins, which can poison livestock, resulting in rapid death.

Three bees on a wooden box.

Backyard Biodiversity: Nest boxes for native bees

Many of our native bee species are solitary. In order to ensure that these kinds of bees spend more time in our yards and gardens, it is important to make sure we include places for them to nest.

A wheat field at sunset.

Water Use by Plant Stage

Over the growing season, solar radiation, air temperature and plant size are the dominant factors in determining evaporative demand and the rate of water use by wheat. Water use can vary dramatically on a day-to day basis, depending on climate and wheat health.

A hand holding a soil sample taken from a soybean field.

Soil Testing Labs

This page contains a list of nearby state or private laboratories that can be used for crop production fields, gardens and lawns.

bunches of Aronia berries still on a bush

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota

Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.

A man in a yellow shirt kneels in a pasture with a group of youth and teenagers standing in a circle around him

Annual youth Rangeland and Soils Days set for June 12-13 in Watertown

March 04, 2024

The 40th annual Rangeland and 19th annual Soils Days for youth is June 12-13, 2024, in Watertown.

Variety of native plants growing in a healthy, well-managed grassland.

A Quick Start Guide to Selling Native Seeds

Guide that details what you need to know to sell seeds of native flowering plants (forbs) in South Dakota.

Two headwater prairie streams in Butte County.

Ranching and Prairie Streams: What Healthy Riparian Areas Mean for Your Ranch

Prairie streams and their associated riparian areas can provide numerous ecosystem services to a ranching operation.

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.