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Image showing locations of the five South Dakota reservoirs managed by the US BOR

Spring Storms Help Bureau of Reclamation Reservoirs in Northwestern South Dakota

While the moisture was needed, the systems were severe with blizzard conditions occurring from multi-day, strong-gusting winds across the area.

A heavily tilled field showing signs of severe topsoil loss due to erosion. Next to it, there is a no-till field with no noticeable signs of erosion.

Multiple Rounds of Severe Weather Bring Heavy Rainfall, High Winds, and Soil Erosion

A combination of tillage, no residue, and lack of crop canopy can lead to severe erosion and topsoil loss in the face of extreme weather patterns in the spring. The most effective strategy for producers to adapt to these extreme events is to improve soil health.

Several wrapped bales of hay lined up near a barn.

Round Bale Storage Conservation

Fact sheet discussing conservation of round bale storage.

several pieces of weather monitoring equipment in a green field

South Dakota Mesonet Weather Station at Eagle Butte Returns to Service

July 15, 2020

The South Dakota Mesonet at South Dakota State University has reactivated its weather station near Eagle Butte with the support of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority.

Blueberries inside a plastic storage container.

Have Excess Produce? Freeze It!

Freezing is one of the easiest forms of preserving food. It reduces food waste, saves money and allows you to have quick quality produce on hand at all times. The

A pressure dial for home canning with altitude adjustments for zones 1 through 3.

Steam Canning

Steam canning is a quick and simple method of preserving produce using steam. While steam canning was previously not an evidence-based practice, recent research indicates steam canning may be a safe home food preservation method for canning naturally acidified foods.

Several jars of canned jellies lined up on a pantry shelf.

Canning Jams and Jellies

Sweet fruit products like jelly, jam, preserves, conserves and marmalades are jellied or thickened and preserved by sugar. The differences between the fruit products are categorized by the way they are prepared, proportions of fruit, pectin, acid and sugar in the mixture and the method of cooking.

NOAA climate map with preciptation outlook as of July 12, 2020. Most of South Dakota is predicted to have average to above average precipitation.

Late Summer 2020 Climate Outlook

Drought concerns in South Dakota may be relieved later this summer, according to the NOAA Climate Prediction Center’s seasonal outlook released this week.

A color-coded precipitation probability map of the United States. The majority of South Dakota is predicted to have wetter than average precipitation, with the highest likelihood being in the southwest corner of the state. For a complete description, call SDSU Extension at 605-688-6729.

May 2020 Climate Outlook

On April 16, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their climate outlook for May and the coming three-month period of May through July. There is a lot of uncertainty in the temperature outlook for the next one-to-three months in the Northern Plains Region.

A map of South Dakota illustrating soil temperatures on April 21, 2020. Temperatures throughout the state range from 41 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit. For more information, visit: https://climate.sdstate.edu/archive/maps/

Soil Temperature for Planting Spring Crops

Soil temperature is an important consideration for deciding when to begin planting spring crops. If producers in South Dakota would like a quick reference for soil temperatures in their area, the SD Mesonet network measures soil temperature at several weather stations throughout the state.