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Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of March 22, northwest to southeast South Dakota are facing severe drought to abnormally dry conditions, while the northeast is under normal conditions.

Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions

The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

Trace Mineral Incorporation Level Did Not Impact Grow-Finish Pig Performance

Recent research at SDSU found that supplementing dietary trace minerals at levels closer to NRC requirements in typical corn-soybean meal diets for grow-finish pigs did not have an impact on overall pig performance and carcass characteristics.

Small group of black angus cattle grazing in a rolling, well-managed rangeland.

Impacts in Livestock Systems

South Dakota producers face new challenges each day. SDSU Extension is your partner, providing resources and expertise to help meet production goals in beef, dairy, swine, sheep and goats.

A woman riding a bike on a green hill. A bright blue sky with patchy white clouds is in the background.

Takeaways From the New 2018 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans

Recently, the second edition of Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans were released. So what is new in the guidelines? Here are some of the key takeaways from the updated guidelines.

Young woman holding her arms in the air while overlooking a mountain range.

Finding the Motivation to Exercise

Whether you are trying to become more active, reach new goals, or need tips to get moving on difficult days, learn some simple strategies to boost your motivation to stay active.

herd of cattle in a muddy pasture

Mud Reduces Beef Cow Performance

Every late winter and early spring beef producers usually face the same problem. Whether it is pooled water resulting from melting snow or excessive rainfall, they both lead to mud accumulation.

A green cover crop mixture grows on a calm day; mainly consisting of oats and peas.

Buying or Selling Oats for a Cover Crop? Be Sure to Follow the Rules

As a challenging 2019 row crop planting season wraps up in South Dakota, many producers are looking to plant cover crops on unplanted acres. One popular cool-season grass cover crop is oats. Most oats in South Dakota are grown as certified varieties, and it is important to be aware of the legal ramifications behind purchasing oat seed for use as a cover crop.

Black angus cattle feeding in a feedlot.

Sign Up Available for Virtual Feedlot Short Course, July 16

August 10, 2020

SDSU Extension will be hosting a seven-week virtual Feedlot Short Course beginning on July 16. The program is scheduled to run each Thursday from July 16 through August 27, at 12:30 p.m. CDT.

Holstein Dairy Calves lying in fresh straw, wearing calf blankets to help keep warm.

Keeping Pre-weaned Dairy Calves Healthy and Growing in Cold Weather

Cold stress can result in calves turning to stored body fat to generate body heat, essentially losing weight. In addition, calves experiencing cold stress will have compromised immune systems making them more susceptible to disease.

3-D rendering of proposed low-head dam project above Lake Mitchell.

Senior Design Project Has Potential to Become Lake Mitchell Water Quality Project

SDSU Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering students, as a senior design project, recommended constructing a retention structure on a property near Lake Mitchell in order to reduce the phosphorus content entering the lake.