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a thicket of tall, green to brown grass planted in a garden

Native Plants: Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum)

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a native, warm season prairie grass that has slowly found its way into the popular ornamental grass market.

A group of calves in a feedlot with ample bedding.

Managing Cattle Through Winter Weather Conditions

Winter weather conditions often present challenges to cattle managers in the Northern Plains. Although we can’t alter the weather, there are management steps that can be taken to help maintain cattle health and performance.

up of people having a discussion in a re-purposed firehall.

Why Third Places Are Vital to Rural Communities

From community centers to small businesses, third places are social spaces outside of one’s home that support connection, economic growth, and civic engagement in rural communities.

SDSU Extension Director Karla Trautman receives a certificate recognizing her 35 years with SDSU Extension from Joseph Cassady, South Dakota Corn Endowed Dean of the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences at SDSU

SDSU Extension presents staff and faculty awards during 2023 Fall Conference

December 01, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension recognized staff and faculty members for achievements in service and educational programming at its annual Fall Conference Sept. 26-28, 2023, at the Ramkota Conference Center in Pierre, South Dakota.

a woman with black hair wearing a black blazer and a mustard shirt

SDSU Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson to Retire

October 15, 2021

After 31 years of providing education and service to South Dakota livestock producers, South Dakota State University Extension Dairy Field Specialist Tracey Erickson has announced her retirement. Her last day is June 21.

vegetables growing in three plastic tubs

Early Spring Gardeners Prepare to Plant Cool Season Vegetables

The early spring weather has vegetable gardeners ready to proceed with caution into planting the first round of vegetables in South Dakota. Cool season vegetables are those that prefer cool growing temperatures between 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and lose quality in hot weather.

sprawling leafy ground cover in a shady garden

Perennial Ground Covers for Shady Gardens

Shady gardens can be filled with plants of various shapes and sizes reaching heights of several feet with eye-catching foliage or blooms. However, ground covers, which are usually twelve inches tall or shorter, are an important component of the shade garden.

An orange plastic hoop placed around a portion of tall grass on a range to provide a measurement.

You Can’t Manage What You Don’t Measure: Range Record Keeping

Range record keeping helps detect and demonstrate landscape changes that have a direct impact on your ability to maintain or grow your herd.

A yellow-orange insect with 10 narrow stripes running down the length of its body.

What’s Bugging Your Garden? Colorado Potato Beetles

Colorado potato beetles have become all too common in many home gardens and also in community gardens where potatoes are commonly grown. If left untreated, they can defoliate potato plants, drastically cutting yields of the delicious tubers that so many of us love to eat.

A large group of people stands on a stone staircase to smile for a photo

Energize conference inspires small SD communities

January 17, 2025

Hosted in a different South Dakota town of 5,000 or fewer people each year, Energize is an opportunity for community and business leaders to gather, gain new perspectives and share ideas about revitalizing rural communities.