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Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the fiftieth percentile, for first fall occurrence of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

First Fall Frost Dates

The first fall frost often marks the end of the growing season, and many garden plants may not survive the freezing temperatures. Learn about some available tools we can use to predict the first fall frost dates around the state.

Color-coded map of the United States showing October 2022 temperature outlook. Temperatures in South Dakota are leaning above average. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

2022 Fall and Early Winter Climate Outlook

The warmth of September is likely to continue into October with odds leaning towards drier than average conditions according to the latest climate outlook released on September 15, 2022.

A cow at the Cottonwood Field Station with her head in the green colored chamber of the GreenFeeder

Range Roundup: Precision Technology to Measure Cattle Methane Emissions and Intake on Western S.D. Rangelands

In a recent research project, our precision livestock team deployed technology to measure individual cattle methane emissions and feed intake by disappearance. Learn how this data can be used to help improve day-to-day management decisions on the ranch.

Interior of a licensed commercial kitchen.

South Dakota Licensed Kitchen Process

Interested in selling food products in a retail establishments? Licensed kitchens are the place to start. Learn the steps for building a licensed kitchen in South Dakota along with rules, regulations and guidelines for processing foods in existing licensed kitchens.

Color-coded temperature outlook map of the United States for February through April 2023. For an in-depth description of this graphic, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

La Niña’s Third Year Concludes With Cold Temperatures

A rare, third consecutive year with La Niña conditions is coming to an end, but not without bringing cold temperatures in early February. See what to expect for the rest of winter and early spring with an analysis of the NOAA's latest climate outlook.

a graphic image showing drought in South Dakota

Water Conservation and Efficiency During Times of Drought

As drought conditions continue to expand across the state this year, more thought is given towards South Dakota’s limited water resources. We live in a state where weather conditions and rain patterns seem to comfortably exist at the extremes; we either have way too much or nearly not enough. While this isn’t always the case, it is important to keep in mind that our water resources are finite and all of us should be thinking about doing what we can to protect them.

Dry, winter rangeland with minimal snow cover.

Can You Break the Hydro-illogical Cycle?

Regardless of the time of year, it is critical to start thinking about the next drought before we are in it. Learn some key strategies for breaking the Hydro-Illogical Cycle by leveraging drought motioning resources and creating a plan for your operation.

three brown eggs

Egg Safety with Holiday Foods

Holiday traditions include making tasty treats from frosted sugar cookies to homemade ice cream. They are all delicious, but hidden bacteria could be lurking in uncooked eggs, so refrain from tasting raw cookie dough or cake batter. Even grade A eggs with clean, uncracked shells can be contaminated with Salmonella Enteritidis bacteria.

Infographic with steps that say 4 hours in a refrigerator, 48 hours in a full freezer, and 24 hours in a half-full freezer.

Power Outages and Your Cold Foods

South Dakota is no stranger to power outages and power surges from weather events. Learn some key actions to take before, during and after power outages to keep your cold foods safe.