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Mosquito with darker coloration and mosquito with white band on proboscis.

Be Ready for Mosquitos

With the very wet 2019 spring and recent rains, it inevitable that mosquito populations will be high this year. Although there are over 20 species of mosquitoes that call South Dakota home, there are really only two species that account for the majority of observed individuals.

collection of pressure canned food

Water Bathing vs. Pressure Canning

Water bathing and pressure canning are two common ways to preserve foods by canning. These techniques use heat processing to preserve foods, and which technique you use depends on the acidity of the food.

A dial pressure canner gauge

Testing Dial Pressure Canner Gauges

For accuracy before use, it is recommended that dial gauges get tested each year. Gauges that read high cause under-processing and may result in unsafe food.

A country garden with four raised garden beds.

Gardening Modifications for People With Limitations

Physical limitations or limited space don’t have to prevent you or a loved one from experiencing the joys of gardening! Learn some expert tips for modifications you can make to your garden space to make it accessible.

Blue-tinted antique canning jars in a brown box.

Canning Jar Update

Before you start canning, take some time to learn the latest canning jar safety updates, including safe jar types, lid selection and handling practices.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

Sheep Breeds

Everyone has heard the fairytale “Baa Baa Black Sheep Have You Any Wool?” but what about the double-coated California Red, the multi-colored Katahdin sheep with hair, or the East Friesian dairy ewe that produces over 1,100 pounds of milk a year? Sheep come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and all of them provide different functions and uses for producers. These can range from meat, wool, and milk production or a combination of characteristics.

variety of fresh vegetables in basket

Family Fun With Gardening

Gardening is a fun way to incorporate physical activity into your day, and is a great way to connect kids to where their food comes from!

dehydrated apple slices

Extend the Life of Your Produce: Dry Your Food!

Drying or dehydrating gives you the ability to extend the life of your fresh foods to enjoy later.

a mother and daughter putting labels on home-canned food products. Photo by Stephen Ausmus, USDA

Labeling of Prepared and Processed Foods in South Dakota

Labeling requirements vary in accordance with the type of food that is being sold and in several instances how or where it was prepared or processed.

A pair of hands kneading a hydrated dough inside a plastic mixing bowl.

Hydrated Doughs and Batters: How to Safely Handle Food Safety Risks

Making dough and batter is one of the intermediary steps on your way to enjoying great foods, such as scones, cookies, cakes, donuts, pies and more. This article will help you understand the food safety risks associated with food types that have a hydrated batter.