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Vast, rolling rangeland with spring plant growth.

Factors That Influence Plant Development and Growth

Year-to-year variability in climate can result in large swings in annual forage production for livestock producers. Learn some key considerations to observing and mitigating the effects of this variability.

Left: Soil from long-term no-till field, exhibiting good soil aggregation through clumping and smaller pieces of soil. Right: Soil from conventionally managed field that included tillage and crop residue removal. Notice the soil is lighter brown, indicating lower organic matter, and the pieces of soil are in larger chunks with no visible indication of clumping or structure.

Organic Agronomy Starting to Impact

For decades scientists have known that a handful of soil contained more micro-biological organisms than the number of humans on earth. Science is just beginning to discover these organisms and learn about their functions and contribution to their soil ecosystem.

Prickly Russian Thistle

Publications that provide introductory and expanded information on the notorious invasive plant, prickly Russian thistle.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

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

stack of coins with faded chart lines showing in the foreground

Financial Ratios and Trend Analysis

Financial Ratios and Trend Analysis is designed to formulate financial ratios and data, utilizing information provided by the producer.

Tractor planting seed in a no-till field.

Conservation Practices Increasing in South Dakota

The recently released Agricultural Census data of 2022 shows that the share of cropland acres under conservation practices has continued to increase in South Dakota.

Three corn diseases. From left: Southern Rust, Bacterial Leaf Streak, and Eyespot.

Southern Rust, Bacterial Leaf Streak, and Eyespot Are Developing in Corn

Southern rust was found in Yankton County, bacterial leaf streak was found in Brule County, and eyespot was found in several fields and counties the week of July 27, 2020.

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

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Black Grass Bugs May Cause Issues if Drought Persists

In western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

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.