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Snow-covered landscape along the Missouri River in Central South Dakota.

2024 Annual Climate Review

The final climate numbers are in for 2024. Learn what the year brought for temperatures, precipitation, and drought conditions throughout the state.

Map of South Dakota with colored dots indicating river stage levels.

Where to Find Weather and River Forecasts

Weather and flooding concerns can develop and change rapidly. There are some excellent resources for real-time information for weather forecasts and river flooding that can be accessed online.

an image of outdoor weather monitoring equipment in a field

Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

Poinsettia relatives: Euphorbia horrida, crown of thorns, and Euphorbia polychrome.

The Poinsettia and Its Relatives: Exploring Unique Euphorbia Species

Euphorbias are versatile plants, with species suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether used as decorative houseplants, or as garden perennials, these plants offer a unique aesthetic, and require minimal care.

Aerial photo of a field revealing crop productivity within a specified management zone.

Creating Management Zones Using Electrical Conductivity

The first step to practicing zone management is to identify the variations that control yield. There are various methods for characterizing soil variations within a field, and among them, electrical conductivity measurement is one of the most-reliable.

Two researchers analyzing soil in a no-till field with cover crops growing throughout.

Does the COMET Carbon Model Address Soil Health Principles?

The COMET-Farm model, developed by USDA/NRCS and Colorado State University, is a whole farm and ranch carbon and greenhouse gas accounting system. Learn how it addresses the Five Soil Health Principles.

Cropland illustrating soil surface cover in instances where there is and is not rye cover crops planted.

Conserving Soil Moisture During Dry Conditions

Dry conditions can create difficulties for agricultural producers. Using soil health principles can improve the resilience of agricultural systems to dry conditions.

A pair of cows with their calves at pasture.

Considerations for Rumen Development in Weaned Calves

Proper nutritional management of weaned calves is critical in ensuring optimal health and performance.

Round hay bales wrapped with net wrap in a stack.

How Will You Make Hay This Year?

With plenty of spring moisture, hay season will be here before you know it. Have you considered the type of binding material you will use to put up hay this year?

Delicate, light-purple flowers of the African Violet.

African Violet: Houseplant How-To

The African violet is a small plant that will provide color and beauty in an indoor setting. Learn how to take care of it in this "House Plant How-To" article.