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Producers surveying a rangeland site.

Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

Prescribed Fire

SDSU Extension works collaboratively with state and federal partners to educate landowners about the use of fire as a grassland management tool.

4-H, Special Foods, Youth boy and girl cooking in kitchen, State Fair

Events & Opportunities

At the state level, 4-H opportunities are generally broken into the three Cs: camps, competitions  and conferences.

young male 4-H member showing a hereford heifer

Competitions

Discover the main venues that our 4-H'ers ‘get their competitive juices flowing.'

young male 4-H member showing a hereford heifer

Competitions & State Fair

4-H members showcase their knowledge and skills during county and state competitions.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.
Dec      Feb 03 - 28

2026 Commercial Applicator Training Online Course

SDSU Extension partners with DANR to offer pesticide certification program required for commercial applicators. The 2026 online course will be offered through Traininghouse and will be open from December 3, 2025, through February 28, 2026.

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

Private Applicator Training for Pesticides

Private applicator certification is required before an agricultural producer can purchase or use a restricted use pesticide.

Person reviewing and marking up documents with a pen and post-it notes.

SDSU Extension co-hosting legal and financial webinar for deaf individuals

December 23, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is working with Nebraska Extension and North Dakota State University Extension to host the Organize This: Legal and Financial Must-Haves series for deaf individuals.

Calculator, pen, and notebook with "Budget Planning" written on it.

SDSU Extension to host financial training webinars

December 23, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host a series of Financial Fireside Chats webinars to help individuals strengthen their financial and personal well-being.

Group of 4-H youth with clipboards at a livestock judging event.
Feb 13 - 14

Youth Livestock Skill-A-Thon @ Watertown Winter Farm Show

SDSU Extension 4-H will host a come-and-go Livestock Skill-A-Thon during the Watertown Winter Farm Show at the Codington County Extension Complex in Classroom A (1910 W. Kemp Ave., Watertown, SD 57201) February 13-14, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. CST.