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Two rows of corn at V5 leaf growth stage looking down from above. Between the corn rows there are 3 separate cotton strips placed on the soil surface just before burial in a 2-inch-deep trench. The cotton strips are numbered for their identification after recovery at three different dates.

Cotton Strip Soil Test: Rapid Assessment of Soil Microbial Activity and Diversity in the Field

Soil has always been considered as a living system due to its biological components: fungi, bacteria and plant roots. Under several ongoing research projects, we started researching how we can use ‘cotton strip assay’ to compare different cover crop mixes to optimize field soil activity and build up better soil health.

Earthworms on the soil surface inside a white hard-plastic ring, after mustard-vinegar solution was drained down through the soil profile forcing earthworms out onto the surface in order to be counted.

How’s Life in the Soil? Ask (Count) the Earthworms.

Earthworms are ‘very special’ creatures on earth, and their contribution in soil nutrient cycling and fertility management has been acknowledged from the beginning of agriculture. So, the question needs to be asked, how can we help improve earthworm populations?

Small herd of mixed cattle grazing rangeland in late fall.

S.D. Producers’ Willingness To Adopt Patch Burn Grazing vs. Winter Patch Grazing

Patch-burn grazing and winter patch grazing are heterogenous rangeland management practices that aim to increase the diversity of grass composition to benefit wildlife and maintain livestock production. To learn about producers’ desire to adopt these practices, we conducted an online survey between November 2019 and January 2020.

SDSU Extension to Host Sustaining the Legacy Virtual Conference

November 13, 2020

SDSU Extension will host a Sustaining the Legacy virtual conference on December 2, 9 and 16 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CST each evening.

Two people having a conversation, one being the herd manager and the other the employee in a dairy free stall barn.)

Coaching vs. Evaluations To Improve Ag Employee Performance

One of the most difficult things farm managers have to master is coaching employees. Using appropriate coaching methods with employees will help you as a manager to achieve the desired employee performance you are looking for in your operation.

A young man analyzing the results of a pregnancy check on an electronic device.

Preg-Checking Decisions

There is much value in preg-checking spring-calving cow herds in the fall. The most common is to cull open cows from the herd. The second reason would be to reduce the number of late calving cows in the herd.

Pregnant black angus cow.

Late Gestation Planning Prior to Calving

For most, weaning is in the books and pregnancy detection is complete or soon to be underway. Now is the time to pay attention to those pregnant cows out on crop residue or grass.

An apple near a list showing foods that are high and low within the Glycemic Index.

The Connection Between Diet and Acne

Acne vulgaris is one of the top skin conditions in the United States, impacting around 40 to 50 million people. Attention around the connection between diet and acne has been the focus of new research, specifically around high-glycemic diets.

pair of hands holding soil

South Dakota Soil and Water Conservation Society to host “Connecting Farm to Future” Virtual Conference

December 02, 2020

The South Dakota Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), will host a free virtual conference.

Young producers sampling produce outside a field with a young mother and her daughter.

Discussing Food and Agriculture in South Dakota: A Guide for Community Leaders

Food production and farming are issues that operate at the complex pivot point of where ecology and nature meet the marketplace and political systems. The way agriculturalists and communities handle their resources, both individually, and collectively, depends on their collective vision for the future.