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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.

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.

Two large grain bins next to a recently harvested field of soybeans.

Managing Production Costs To Boost Soybean Profitability

Soybeans are one of the major crops in South Dakota in terms of both acres planted and sales values. To determine the potential to increase net profit from soybean production, individual producers are encouraged to compare their own yields and input costs with benchmark levels.

Three grain storage bins.

Fall Grain Storage Tips

As the temperature drops, don’t forget to check on your stored grain. Although most of the South Dakota grain harvest was sufficiently dry this year, we still need to watch grain storage temperatures and conditions.

Several variety trial plots for different crops.

Interpreting Research Results: The Simple Way

Although research results and statistical terminology can seem overwhelming, understanding the basic concepts can be valuable for decision making. When making management decisions, don’t hesitate to ask for research results and statistics to back up marketing claims.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of March 22, northwest to southeast South Dakota are facing severe drought to abnormally dry conditions, while the northeast is under normal conditions.

Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions

The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.

harvester chopping corn silage, depositing silage into green wagon.

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops after Corn Silage

Fact sheet about herbicide residual effect on cover crops after corn silage.

Producer and USDA agent reviewing CFAP 1.0 application.

USDA: CFAP 1 Program Payment Benefits to Producers

In examining the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 1.0 website, we are able to directly see the impact of the program and the payments made to producers across the country.

Female FSA employee reviewing paperwork with a male producer.

Counties Designated as Disaster Areas and Qualify for Other Programs

Five South Dakota counties have been given disaster declarations due to dry summer conditions. This declaration gives producers in these counties and those in contiguous counties access to USDA-FSA emergency loans.

Hand holding herbicide sprayer over vegetable garden.

Organic Herbicides: Garden and Flower Bed Weed Control

Many South Dakota homeowners do not want to use inorganic or synthetic herbicides due to potential health impacts. Organic herbicides can be a useful tool for weed control when combined with other management practices.