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Several rows of broccoli plants with varying planting treatments.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for broccoli production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Row of pepper plants growing among a bed of white clovers.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Pepper Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for pepper production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

a graphic image of South Dakota with multiple colors

Grain Merchant and Processor Consolidation, Concentration, and Competition

A general trend in the last century has been for greater consolidation among Grain Merchants and Oilseed Millers and Processors. The U.S. Census Bureau tracks the number of firms and/or establishments and value of sales (market size) by industry sector every 5 years as a part of the Economic Census. In addition to the number of firms and sales, the Census Bureau publishes concentration ratios for each sector. One concentration ratio they publish is the amount of sales attributed to the four largest firms in that sector. The percentage of sales of the 4 largest firms is a measure that aids in identifying the type of market structure that exists.

Producer reviewing an aid application with a USDA FSA agent.

Livestock Loss Assistance Available

Has your operation experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of livestock due to weather? Financial assistance may be available through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program.

a graphic of South Dakota separated by colors

Ag Land Values Decrease Statewide on Average

From 1991 to 2015, agricultural land values in South Dakota, and in most other major agricultural production states, appreciated each year. In 2016 on average all agricultural use land decreased in South Dakota except rangeland, which will be discussed in a future article.

Caregivers for Home Modification

Home modification can improve the quality of life of for caregivers by making it easier to help with everyday tasks. Learn three unique caregiver stories about the challenges faced while caring for loved ones at home.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2023

As temperatures warm up, degree days will accumulate more rapidly, and alfalfa weevils could quickly become an issue. See our latest observations from around the state.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 4, 2023

With warmer temperatures during the last week, there was an increase in the accumulation of degree days for alfalfa weevils. See our latest observations from around the state.

Aerial photo of a field revealing crop productivity within a specified management zone.

Knowing the Soil Types in Your Fields Can Increase Weed Control

As soil temperatures increase, many farmers are beginning to plant crops and start preemergent weed control. Learn the important role that soil type can play in getting the most out of preemergence herbicide applications.

It’s Time To Start Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils in South Dakota

With increasing temperatures, the degree days for alfalfa weevils have steadily increased. The best way to avoid serious alfalfa weevil defoliation is to scout and detect populations early.