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One-month precipitation outlook map for September 2020. South Dakota has a 40-50% chance of below-normal precipitation.

September 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

Summer has its last hurrah the first week of September before we see potential for our state’s first freeze of the fall season, according to NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

Online Eastern South Dakota Water Conference set for Oct. 20

December 29, 2021

The theme for this year’s conference is “Ground Truth – Water Resource Management and Remote Sensing.”

a group of people in a meeting room

SDSU Extension’s Approach to the 2017 Drought

Most of the Great Plains, of which Western South Dakota is part of, have always been considered a semi-arid area of the U.S. This region is characterized by hot, relatively short summers, and usually cold, dry winters.

Small group of employees inspecting a milking parlor.

Factors Affecting Teat Skin Condition in Winter

Even though cows are housed in many parts of the country, cold weather may play an important factor in udder health and milk quality.

Small group of employees inspecting a milking parlor.

Factores que Afectan la Condición de la Piel del Pezón en el Invierno

Poco a poco y casi sin darnos cuenta, nos vamos adentrando en la estación más fría del año. Prepararnos para la llegada del invierno es importante para asegurar el bienestar animal.

Color-coded map indicating seasonal precipitation outlook for the United States from December 2021 to February 2022. For an in-depth description of this graphic, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

La Niña Expected to Influence 2021-22 Winter Climate

November 23, 2021

La Niña conditions have been officially declared this season by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), but what does that mean for South Dakota’s winter climate, and this year’s outlook in particular? 

Small group of cattle near a water tank in a rangeland area.

Water Quality

While producers have long acknowledged that access to water makes the difference between a profitable or unsuccessful operation, they are beginning to understand that water quality may be as important as water quantity.

Well-managed grassland area adjacent to a wetland.

Managing Livestock Attractants Near Water

In the event that your pasture includes riparian areas, such as streams, rivers, lakes or ponds, you’ll want to take special care of these habitats. A riparian area is the space immediately adjacent to the shore, where water and land interact.

a map of South Dakota showing the drought conditions

July Drought Hours to Address Livestock Nutrition, Crop Quality Concerns

July 15, 2021

More South Dakota acres are now in an extreme drought condition as lack of moisture and high temperatures continue to impact much of the state.

Two men walking near a drainage water recycling pond

Conservation Drainage Complexities Part 1

How can farmers benefit from conservation drainage? Conservation drainage includes practices such as bioreactors, saturated buffers, wetlands and more.