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How to Can Peaches
While peach season is only May through September, you can enjoy peaches all year by preserving them through safe canning methods. Learn how to can peaches in your own kitchen with these step-by-step instructions.
Controlling Grasshoppers, Salvaging Drought Corn Kick Off August Drought Hours
August 04, 2021
According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).
Preserving Herbs
Fresh herbs add amazing flavor to recipes during the summertime! Their great flavors can be carried over to cooler seasons through the preservation of the plants and leaves, and the two best ways to extend the life (and flavor) of herbs is through freezing or dehydrating.
Canning With Less Sugar
As low and no-added-sugar food products have become increasingly popular, new alternative canning recipes have been created. It is possible to preserve fruits with little or no added sugar, which is great for those who prefer reduced calories.
Canners Beware: Botulism
Botulism is a serious, rare illness that is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a concern when it comes to canning and fermenting foods, as the anaerobic conditions can cause the Clostridium botulinum spores to create a harmful toxin.
Drought Assistance Questions Answered
Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.
Drought Assistance From USDA: CRP Haying and Grazing
As this year’s drought intensifies, folks are quickly running short of forage. Due to the D2 Drought Monitor classification, most South Dakota counties qualify for Conservation Reserve Program haying and grazing for emergency and non-emergency use.
Modifying Canning Recipes
Understanding how swapping ingredients, adding ingredients, increasing or decreasing ingredients and making changes to processing plays a vital role in ensuring that home-canned products are safe.
Fall 2021 Climate and Drought Outlook
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seasonal Climate Outlook, released Aug. 19, 2021, projects drought conditions to continue through the fall season.
Water Rights in a Time of Drought
During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.