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mixture of cover crops planted next to a corn field

Cover Crop Usage in South Dakota is on the Rise

The number of South Dakota producers who use cover crops has been increasing at an accelerating rate over the past ten years.

Agritourism proprietor and a local official meeting at a pumpkin patch.

SDSU Extension identifies challenges, opportunities in agritourism

April 07, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension has identified key challenges and opportunities operators face in agritourism, an emerging industry in the state.

Graduation cap and tassel. Text reading “Scholarship.”

SDSU Extension 4-H awards 2024 scholarships

August 01, 2024

Fourteen youth from across the state were selected to receive these awards. Youth with at least five years of active membership in 4-H, current high school seniors, or those enrolled at SDSU are eligible to apply for the scholarships. These scholarships are funded through donors and SDSU Extension’s 4-H program.

A row of sow pens in a swine facility.

Capsicum Oleoresin Fed to Grow-Finish Pigs Improved Carcass Value

Feed additives are low incorporation, non-nutritive, feed ingredients designed to provide benefits in the growth, feed efficiency, and/or feed intake of animals and ultimately lower the cost of production.

Group of black and white, spotted dairy cattle drinking from a water trough.

Water Importance in Lactating Dairy Cows

When considering the importance of water in lactating cow diets, we need to remember that milk is 87 percent water, and its consumption is directly correlated with milk production and feed intake. Water also makes up anywhere from 55 percent to 70 percent of the body weight of a lactating dairy cow, depending upon the phase of the lactation cycle.

Hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and respirators sitting on a table.

Information on How to Deal With COVID-19 for Dairy Workers

We would like to share some advice on measures to follow due to the problems that are affecting the world population today, including all of us.

A group of dairy cattle inside a dairy barn.

Handling Reminders for Dairies: Training Resources

Sources of handling stress are accumulative in cattle. Stockmen can have a positive impact on the amount of stress cattle experience by planning ahead and being realistic about allowing adequate time to get things done well.

A field of standing corn covered in snow.

Standing Corn Considerations

The January 2020 South Dakota Crop Progress Report indicated four percent of S.D. corn acres remain in the field. Given the record rainfall of 2019, current snow pack levels and the 3-to-6-month precipitation forecasts, farmers will likely be dealing with a wet spring in 2020, thus making the removal of those acres important but hard to accomplish.

A cow and her calf touching noses

Heterosis and its Impact

Heterosis is not new to the livestock industry and its benefits have been well documented.

A combine harvesting soybeans at dusk.

Field Studies: Blowing the Whistle on Marketing Claims

With technology surrounding today’s culture, data and marketing information has become a key part of life. The best way to determine if a product or practice is effective is to ask for the data and research backing a company’s claims. However, before a producer makes a decision, understanding the data and statistics is key.