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Farm Size and Efficiency

Growth is a common denominator of various business objectives. A business may want to grow profits, sales, market share, etc. The growth of a business itself usually refers to growth in equity, or growth in assets after debts have been paid. Farms, from a business perspective, are no exception. Farmers seeking to grow equity need to be willing and able to retain earnings and cannot be overleveraged.

Managing Production Costs To Boost Soybean Profitability

Soybeans are one of the major crops in South Dakota in terms of both acres planted and sales values. To determine the potential to increase net profit from soybean production, individual producers are encouraged to compare their own yields and input costs with benchmark levels.

“Snirt” and How To Minimize It

Blowing soils, dust storms and “snirt” (snow with dirt on it) are frequent challenges during dry, windy winters. Learn some soil health principles to limit erosion and minimize snirt on field edges this planting season.

South Dakota Virtual Vegetable Short Course

The goal of the vegetable short course is to empower South Dakota vegetable producers to improve and expand their operations.

What is This Fruit… And is it Edible?

In mid- to late-summer, we often get the questions: “What kind of fruit is this?” and “Is it edible?” To identify a fruit, it is helpful to know both plant and fruit characteristics: Woody or herbaceous plant? Vining or upright? Do the leaves attach to the stem opposite each other (i.e., paired), or do they alternate from one side of the stem to the other? What size and color are the fruit? Is each fruit’s stem attached directly to the twig, or are they in a cluster that attaches to the twig? And, one question I find often helpful in distinguishing among smaller fruits, does it have a single pit, or are there several seed in each fruit?

Now is Time to Plan Your Weed Management Strategy for the 2025 Growing Season

As harvest season comes to an end, now is the time to start formulating your weed management plan for next year. Learn some expert tips for getting your operation off to a good start next growing season.

Improve Soybean Profitability by Reducing Input Costs

While declining prices and increasing costs considerably reduce profit for soybean production, there are certain input costs that might be reduced to increase profitability.

Soil Only Blows During Droughts?

What causes soil to blow during periods of adequate moisure? High winds can rapidly dry soil close to the surface. If the winds are high enough, even soil at intermediate water contents can blow.

SDSU Extension to host emerald ash borer meetings

June 25, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host public meetings about the emerald ash borer in Watertown and Milbank following the insect’s discovery in those communities.

SDSU Extension welcomes new horticulture assistant at McCrory Gardens

November 08, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce Sydney Trio as a new Horticulture Assistant based at McCrory Gardens in Brookings.