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Woman with clipboard instructing a group of volunteers in a community garden.

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Templates

A suite of templates that can be used by currently active and registered SDSU Extension Master Gardener volunteers as they engage in service to their community.

hand examining clump of soil organic matter

Soil: It’s Not Just Dirt

Most soils are complex ecosystems with worms, insects and microscopic organisms, which all work together in helping plants grow.

Baskets of fresh vegetables at a farmers market

Local Foods: Whole Fresh Vegetables and Herbs

Fresh, whole raw fruits and vegetables grown in South Dakota can currently be sold without a food service license from the South Dakota Department of Health.

Color-coded map of the Rapid City area showing flood risk scores.

South Dakota’s Changing Flood Risk

South Dakota’s flood risk is increasing in some areas of the state according to a recent report from the First Street Foundation. In 2020, 62,600 total properties are at substantial risk, with a projected increase to 63,000 properties by 2050.

Nine youth stand behind a podium inside the South Dakota Capitol session chamber. A 4-H flag is draped in front.

4-H empowers youth voice through 2023 SDSU Extension 4-H Legislature Program

January 02, 2024

Nine 4-H legislators participated in the 2023 SDSU Extension 4-H Legislature program, which ended on Nov. 4 at the Capitol in Pierre. (SDSU Extension 4-H photo)

A row of corn cobs in various colors and sizes

Indian Corn & Popcorn

Beautifully hued ears of dried ornamental corn appear this time of year in autumn decorations. In South Dakota, each fall the Corn Palace at Mitchell sports fresh murals from the naturally colored corn.

Merino sheep grazing on grassy pasture.

Using Rangeland to Extend Lambs to Meet a More-Optimal Market

Coming off a year of record prices across all classifications of sheep, the current drop in prices has been a bit discouraging. Using historic pricing data, we can observe seasonal price fluctuations that may make holding onto lambs a little longer a more-profitable option.

Tractor spraying soybean.

Herbicide Resistance Detection in the Field

Have you noticed weeds surviving a typically lethal herbicide application? There’s a chance they’ve developed herbicide resistance. Learn some expert tips for detecting and confirming resistance in fields.

Mother with two young children shopping at a holiday craft fair.

Your Town Matters! Shop Where Everybody Knows Your Name

Shopping local allows you to make a difference in your hometown. Locally owned businesses reinvest a large share of their revenue back into the local economy, enriching the whole community.

Left: Christmas trees growing at a German farm. Right: Poinsettia plant on display at a Mexican Christmas market.

Cultural History of the Christmas Tree and Poinsettia (Cuetlaxochitl)

Christmas trees and poinsettias are the two plants that symbolize the Christmas season, but why do these plants hold that place that? And where did the association with Christmas originate?