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Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the number of classes of change in drought conditions from June 3 to September 2, 2025. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook

A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.

five women and one man walking in a gymnasium

Fitness Fellowship Leader's Manual

Leader's manual to help facilitate discussions during group fitness classes.

A red and white holstein calf, looking through the fence from its calf hutch on a sunny, summer day.

Understanding and Mitigating Heat Stress in Young Dairy Animals

We often don’t focus as much on heat stress in young dairy calves and tend to focus more on cold stress. However, it is just as important and producers or calf raisers should have a plan in place to help mitigate heat stress in these animals also.

small group of cattle at hay feeder

Herd Management: Keep or Cull During a Drought?

Drought forces unexpected changes so it’s critical to have a strategy to keep only the “right” females that will benefit the operation.

Lush, densely vegetated riparian area 10 years after beginning the SRAM program.

2023 Marks the 10-Year Anniversary of the Seasonal Riparian Area Management Program

The Seasonal Riparian Area Management program has partnered with landowners to maintain healthy riparian areas to address common water resource concerns and improve water quality in streams, rivers, and lakes within the Big Sioux River watershed.

veterinarian using a stethoscope on a horse

Animal Health & Care

The health and well-being of animals matters to all who care for them.

Producer analyzing and grading a cow.

Live Weight vs. Carcass Weight: Effect on Cost of Gain and Margin

More cattle each year are marketed using carcass weight to determine value, sometimes combined with grid premiums and discounts. Can we use the same assumptions for growth and cost of gain when marketing methods differ?

Cluster of bright-red poinsettia flowers in bloom.

Are You Photoperiodic? Poinsettias Are: An Explanation of This Unique Plant Process

Poinsettias are photoperiodic, which means they rely on cues from nature, like the shortening day or night, to change how they grow. Learn all about this unique plant process and how it helps Poinsettias bloom and re-bloom.

A large, yellow automatic cattle waterer installed in a feedlot.

Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient

Water intake is strongly linked to feed intake, so any factors that cause cattle to drink less will lead to reduced feed intake and consequently reduced performance.

A group of older people sitting outside talking

What’s good about getting older?

Curious about the positive changes that come with getting older? Learn about some key mental and emotional changes that can occur in older adults, and the benefits that come with these changes!