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Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of July 27, north-central South Dakota is facing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A small portion of the southwest has adequate moisture.

Controlling Grasshoppers, Salvaging Drought Corn Kick Off August Drought Hours

August 04, 2021

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).

Black and red feedlot cattle eat corn silage from a feed bunk in South Dakota.

Frequently Asked Questions - Forage Nitrate Toxicity in Ruminant Livestock

A fact sheet to address frequently asked questions about forage nitrate toxicity in ruminant livestock.

Ranchers viewing USDA disaster assistance information on a computer in a home office.

Drought Assistance Questions Answered

Dry conditions persist across the state, and many new questions are being asked regarding the federal assistance programs available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency.

Two producers and a conservation agent moving cattle in a grassland area.

Drought Assistance From USDA: CRP Haying and Grazing

As this year’s drought intensifies, folks are quickly running short of forage. Due to the D2 Drought Monitor classification, most South Dakota counties qualify for Conservation Reserve Program haying and grazing for emergency and non-emergency use.

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

SDSU Extension Kicks Off SDSGA Fourth Annual Premium Yearling Ewe Sale

November 22, 2021

More than 45 sheep producers from across the region attended the South Dakota Sheep Growers Association Fourth Annual Premium Yearling Ewe Sale in July.

Color-coded map of the United States indicating precipitation probability for September through November 2021. Odds are leaning towards drier than average conditions in the three-month fall season.

Fall 2021 Climate and Drought Outlook

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Seasonal Climate Outlook, released Aug. 19, 2021, projects drought conditions to continue through the fall season.

Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

Map: Temperature outlook for September 2022

2022 Fall Climate Outlook

Summertime is coming to an end soon, and September is right around the corner. The questions we hear this time of year are often about fall harvest weather for corn and soybeans, planting for winter wheat and our first fall frost.

Storm water rushing down a street gutter.

South Dakota Water and Community Symposium to be Held July 26

July 22, 2022

SDSU Extension will host a one-day South Dakota Water and Community Symposium on Tuesday, July 26 from 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. CDT at the Raven Precision Agriculture Center on the South Dakota State University campus in Brookings.

Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!