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Weather station at the edge of a large, open pasture.

Drought: Climate

Stay up-to-date with drought developments through regular drought monitor reports, weather forecasts and climate updates.

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

South Dakota 4-H Awards 2021 Scholarships

July 28, 2021

South Dakota State University (SDSU) Extension and South Dakota 4-H are proud to announce the 2021 State 4-H Scholarship recipients.

4-H Capitol Day

4-H Capitol Day provides an opportunity for our youth to meet and greet their state lawmakers.

Five youth stand in front of banners holding a sign that says "South Dakota"

SDSU Extension 4-H members compete at national FCS contest

February 20, 2025

The FCS skill-a-thon team won fifth place in the life skills assessment. The team members were Anna Johnson, Norman Johnson and Ada Sharp, of Brown County; and Mercedes Jones, of Buffalo/Jerauld counties. Their team coach is Aubrey Anderson, SDSU Extension 4-H Educator, Minnehaha County. Samantha Brenden, of Clark County, placed fourth in modeling and fifth overall for a constructed outfit in fashion revue.

Dry spring pasture near Highmore, South Dakota.

Spring Pasture Report: Dry Soil Conditions Threaten 2025 Grazing Season

As the grazing season inches closer, dry conditions have become very apparent, and producers should take time to assess resources and regularly monitor soil moisture and weather outlooks.

A close shot of a black and red cow's face. A blurred white cow's head is in the foreground.

Testing Your Beef Cattle for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus

Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV) is among the most important pathogens affecting today’s beef and dairy cattle operations. Associated with reproductive, digestive, and respiratory illnesses in cattle, the virus can also create a congenital, persistent infection in calves, greatly aiding the virus’ spread within and between herds.

The University of Nebraska Lincoln Haskell Lab is pictured, a brown brick building in the foreground with fields and farm buildings in the background

SDSU Extension, UNL Extension offering heifer development program

October 26, 2023

Producers can apply this fall to enroll heifers at the Great Plains Heifer Development Center at the UNL Haskell Beef Lab near Concord, Nebraska. Nebraska and South Dakota producers will receive priority, but producers from bordering states will be accepted if space is available.

Phosphorus Trapped – Edge-of-field treatment to reduce phosphorus loss (Part 3 of 4)

In this episode of Streamlines, Dr. John McMaine and Anthony Bly welcome guests Dr. Lindsey Pease and Dr. Chad Penn to continue their discussion on phosphorus.

Three people smile for the camera with bison and rolling hills in the background

Bringing happy, healthy bison back to the Great Plains

January 17, 2025

There are approximately 400,000 bison across North America, down from 30 to 60 million prior to the 1860s. South Dakota has the largest bison population in the U.S. with nearly 40,000, and Martin hopes to see it keep rising.

Rancher and marketing consultant meeting in a cattle pasture.

Economic Contribution of the South Dakota Beef Industry

From added value to the economy to jobs throughout the state, the widespread impact of the South Dakota beef industry may surprise you. Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Specialist, examines some highlights from recent economic research.