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Cost-effective and Balanced Cow Rations

Before buying "cheap" feed, it is important to ensure that it will be cost-effective when creating balanced rations for the winter. Learn some things to consider before purchasing.

Floating row covers set up over rows of specialty crops.

Season Extension for Fall Specialty Crops

Extending crop production into the fall allows growers to take advantage of cooler temperatures and enjoy fresh, cool-season vegetables later in the year.

A group of mixed cattle feeding in a feedlot.

Neospora-Positive Status: Impact on heifers/cows and their calves

Neospora caninum is a protozoal germ that has the potential to affect reproduction in beef and dairy herds. Neospora-related reproductive problems can arise from two different kinds of infected cattle: 1) cows or heifers that became infected by eating contaminated feed, and 2) cows or heifers that were born with Neospora and pass it on to their offspring in utero.

Soybean field with volunteer corn stalks growing throughout.

Stalk Grazing to Combat Volunteer Corn

Fall aftermath grazing by livestock, particularly cows, can dramatically reduce the amount of volunteer corn in the field. Learn some key benefits that stalk grazing can bring to your operation.

Cattle Confinement Facilities: Management Considerations

Confinement barns provide some advantages to both the animals and caregivers compared to outside pens or pasture systems.

A young master gardener setting up a “make your own seed bomb” station at a seed swap.

How to Organize a Seed Swap

A seed swap is a gathering of people who come together to share seeds, including vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Learn some tips on planning a seed swap event to help build excitement for the upcoming growing season!

Variety of pepper samples split open to reveal internal rot symptoms.

Pepper Internal Rot: Disease information and research updates

A new disease has been found in South Dakota pepper plants. While plants appear healthy and produce peppers that appear normal, many peppers will have a black mold growing inside. So, what’s going on with these plants?

Series of trophies on display at a 4-H contest.

4-H

4-H is the nation’s largest youth development organization, involving young people in urban, suburban and rural communities. 4-H fosters an innovative, “learn by doing” approach with proven results.

Left: Fireweed growing in a clearing. Right: Purple loosestrife growing in a meadow.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Fireweed and Purple Loosestrife?

Fireweed and purple loosestrife are often confused with one another due to their similar appearances, but the two plants have dramatically different impacts on the environment. Learn some key characteristics to help tell them apart.

Full plant profiles: Golden alexander and wild parsnip.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Golden Alexander and Wild Parsnip?

Golden alexander (Zizia aurea) is a striking native plant in South Dakota. However, another plant in this region often mistaken for golden alexander does not belong here and contains a harmful toxin.