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A field divided into two planting areas. The left area has young corn plants emerging from the soil. The right has no visible corn emergence yet.

2020 Corn Growing Degree Days Update

Spring planting progress of corn in 2020 has been much ahead of a typical year in South Dakota. Crop development, however, seems slow.

A black angus cow walking through pasture being followed by two calves.

Lessons From Alternative Calving Workshops

Recently, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and SDSU Extension held workshops across the State focused on sharing information from experienced livestock producers who have switched to a calving date more in sync with nature.

A soybean field with plants yellowing and dropping leaves in larger portion of the field while the rest of the field has green soybean plants.

Drought Stress or Stem Canker Killing Soybean Plants?

Several soybean fields scouted in a number of Eastern counties have plants dying or dropping leaves prematurely. While the majority of these fields have drought stress causing early senescence, a few fields have also stem canker developing

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.

A blue coat placed atop a medium-sized evergreen tree in a snowy clearing

It's Cold! How Can Our Plants Trees and Shrubs Withstand It?

The Northern Great Plains have experienced colder than normal weather over first few weeks of December. Cold temperatures certainly do affect our plants but there are some important differences.

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.

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.

Vast winter prairie on the Rosebud Reservation.

Climate Resilience Toolkit for the Northern Plains Region

In September 2021, the U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit announced the publication of a new Northern Great Plains Region section. The new section can help producers recognize climate hazards, assess vulnerabilities and confront risks.