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Hail-damaged soybean field with storm clouds in the background.

Making Decisions With Hail-Damaged Row Crops

Late-season hail damage can leave growers wondering what to do next. Before deciding what to do with your hail-damaged fields, take some time to consider a variety of management options.

A herd of cattle grazing a vast rangeland in west-river South Dakota.

Rotational Grazing Improves Stocking Capacity and Ranch Profitability

Livestock stocking rate is considered as one of the most important decisions that ranchers can make, as heavy stocking rate causes grassland degradation and adversely impact the sustainable delivery of ecosystem services.

Producer holding a clump of healthy, plant-rich soil.

Fertilizing Grasslands

Grassland fertilization, like many other grassland management topics, is highly dependent on certain parameters, such as soil type, vegetation type and harvest methods.

Two young boys at a table constructing a robot.

About 4-H

Learn about SDSU 4-H mission, values, history and initiatives. Discover the 4-H essential elements, learning model, and life skills that 4-H members will obtain through hands on learning. Discover the many different science, health, agriculture and citizenship projects available in the 4-H programs.

A soybean field with a large brown area due to a lightning strike.

Seeing Dead Soybean Plants in a Circular Pattern? Could Be Due to Lightning

While quite uncommon for lightning to damage row crops, it does happen. Thunderstorms can have lightning that can burn soybeans plants leading to their death.

SDSU Extension 4-H recognizes volunteers during 2025 State Fair

September 23, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension 4-H is pleased to announce that the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame and 4-H Shooting Sports Hall of Fame will add six individuals on Aug. 31, 2025, during the 2025 South Dakota State Fair in Huron. In addition, eight individuals will be recognized for their outstanding 4-H volunteer service.

A woman preparing a jar of pickled cucumbers in a kitchen.

Modifying Canning Recipes

Understanding how swapping ingredients, adding ingredients, increasing or decreasing ingredients and making changes to processing plays a vital role in ensuring that home-canned products are safe.

Strengthening the Heartland

Strengthening the Heartland (STH) developed through the collaborative efforts of faculty from SDSU Extension and North Dakota State University Extension. With generous grant support from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, STH is dedicated to providing services that prevent opioid misuse in rural communities across the Dakotas.

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

Variety of native grasses growing in a well-managed pasture.

Warm and Cool-Season Grasses

Grasses are often divided into two groups based on their season of growth. Cool-season grasses grow in the early part of the growing season (spring and early summer), while warm-season grasses grow later in the season (early summer to late summer).