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Four people stand on the 20-yard line of a football field. There are two men on the far left and far right. In the middle is a man handing a woman a wooden plaque in the shape of South Dakota.

Rook named 2025 Friend of the Beef Industry

September 15, 2025

Michelle Rook has been named the 2025 Recipient of the South Dakota State University Friend of the Beef Industry award for her contributions to the South Dakota beef industry.

Winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for 2026 Growing Season

With fertilizer representing one of the largest variable costs in wheat production, inefficient nitrogen use can quickly erode profit margins. This being said, an emphasis should be placed on how to improve nutrient management during the 2026 growing season.

Professional portrait of Ruth Beck

Ruth Beck to Retire from SDSU Extension Agronomy Team

October 12, 2021

After 17 years providing education and service to South Dakota growers and agribusiness professionals, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist Ruth Beck has announced her retirement.

Several canning jars filled with tomato sauce and herbs.

The “Why” Behind Unsafe Canning Practices

When choosing a food preserving method, it’s important to investigate the science behind the process and choose a method that has been researched and proven safe. This is especially important when it comes to canning.

Cover crops emerging from a no-till field.

Do Cover Crops and Grazing Harm Soil Properties?

Fact sheet for a study that was conducted to compare short and long-term animal grazing on soil health and water properties at four locations in SD.

Newborn dairy calf and mother cow.

Dairy Embryo Transfer Activity in the United States

The use of embryo technologies has been described as an alternative to improve pregnancy and accelerate genetic improvement in dairy cows. See the latest trends on its use in South Dakota and beyond.

Young woman playing with a toddler in a large sandbox.

SDSU Extension supports childcare access in rural communities

March 16, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension’s efforts to support expanding childcare access in rural communities helped three South Dakota communities in 2024-2025.

A herd of sheep foraging on leafy spurge in a grassland.

Multi-Species Grazing as an Alternative to Pasture Spraying

Broadacre spraying of pastures is intended to reduce undesirable plants and increase grasses for livestock. This practice often results in unintended consequences, including damage and reduction of native forbs and reduced profitability. One approach to managing perceived “weedy” plants is incorporating different species of livestock into a grazing operation.

Pumpkins and winter squash on display at a farmer's market.

Harvesting and Storing Pumpkins and Winter Squash

The gardening season will soon come to an end, but we can still enjoy pumpkins and winter squash well into the winter months if we take some extra care during the harvest and storage process.

A small herd of cattle gathered around a pond on an open range.

Financial Considerations With Livestock Grazing Distribution

With spring turnout to grass here for some ranchers and just around the corner for others, proper livestock grazing distribution is a key aspect of a comprehensive grazing management plan.