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Healthy, South Dakota native grassland with a variety of plants and grasses growing.

Grassland Fertilization: Native Pasture Case Studies – McPherson, Deuel, Grant and Clark Counties

Even our best native pastures, rangelands and prairies suffer from at least some level of invasion. Within this reality lies a wide gradient of quality of native grasslands that is largely influenced by past and present management.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 3, 2021

It has been a busy week for alfalfa weevils. Throughout the state, alfalfa weevils have been causing significant feeding damage. We recommend scouting alfalfa fields for the next week and treating when necessary.

Cattle grazing a field of cover crops in Eastern South Dakota.

Extend the Grazing Season With Cover Crops

When hay prices are high, extending the grazing season is key. Grazing cover crops in the fall and spring can extend the grazing season and reduce feed costs.

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.

Rain falls on a sample of conventional tilled in a rainfall simulator.

How Soil Holds Water

Water retention is an important soil property and is related to soil texture, organic matter content, and density.

a wilted pepper plant in a garden plot.

Handling Herbicide Injury in Specialty Crops

Learn how to handle specialty crops that have inadvertently been affected by herbicides.

A field of alfalfa.
Aug 18

Forage Field Day @ Morris, Minnesota

Attend the 2026 I-29 Moo University Multi-State Summer Forage Field Day on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at the University of Minnesota West Central Research & Outreach Center (46352 State Hwy. 329, Morris, MN 56267) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. CDT.

sun rising over South Dakota field

Agriculture

Both livestock and crops are essential to South Dakota's agricultural industry.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

bales in a field

Forage

SDSU Extension works with forage producers, providing them with access to quick tests, research-based information, and best management practices to help maximize yields and nutritional quality of forages.