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A closeup shot of a sheep's eye.

Small Ruminant Abortions: Cleanup and facility considerations

Sheep and goat producers in the upper Midwest rely on annual lamb or kid crops to maintain economic viability. Reduction in the lamb or kid crop due to abortion (premature birth) and stillbirths are a common occurrence on many farms. Some of these problems have implications for human health as well as animal health.

Monarch butterfly collecting pollen on a blazing star plant.

Understanding the Critical Role of Broadleaf Pollinator Plants in Pastures

Understanding the economic role of pollinators is the first step towards understanding their diverse values to grassland and crop systems.

bunches of Aronia berries still on a bush

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota

Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.

A herd of cattle grazing near a pond on an open range.

Cattle and Land Conservation in South Dakota

Analysis of results from a 2017 South Dakota farmer survey reveals that cattlemen tend to be more land conservation oriented than their grain farming counterparts.

tall trees in the Black Hills

How to Identify an Ash Tree Infested by Emerald Ash Borer

This guide will help you determine whether an ash tree may be infested by the emerald ash borer.

A vast, open rangeland with a few patches of weeds.

An identification guide to common Rangeland Insect Pests of South Dakota

The insects listed in this guide can be pests of rangeland in South Dakota. The best approach for preventing these pests from reaching damaging populations involves routine scouting.

fruit and vegetable garden with raised beds

Growing Sweet Corn in South Dakota

Sweet corn is a delicious vegetable enjoyed by both kids and adults. It is popular in the mid-to-late summer and is often bought at stands on street corners and grocery stores throughout small towns in South Dakota. What many people don’t know, however, is that sweet corn is a remarkably easy vegetable to grow yourself. All you need are a few essential materials and some basic knowledge to grow your own delicious sweet corn.

A color-coded map of the United States indicating precipitation outlook for June 2019.

June 2019 Climate Outlook for South Dakota

As South Dakota emerges from the wettest 12-month period in 124 years of climate recordkeeping (June 2018-May 2019), June has started warmer and drier than average. The outlook, however, turns towards cooler and wetter than average again for the middle of the month.

a father and son inspecting a show goat in a competition.

Bringing Home Your 4-H Goat Project

Sales and transport is a stressful time for any animal. Reducing stress factors due to transitions start before the actual purchase of your new project. Managing proper nutrition and disease management are just a couple factors to help your project get off to a great start.

a person putting tomatoes into a bag.

Growing Tomatoes in South Dakota

Few vegetables inspire us more than home-grown tomatoes, bursting with vine-ripe flavor. Tomatoes are easy to grow in containers or in the ground, and are excellent sources of vitamins A and C, as well as cancer-fighting lycopenes.