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A field with patches of soil exhibiting poor water infiltration.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Cover Crops and Crop Residues

Planting cover crops and returning crop residues (stover) to the soil both adds nutrients and improves overall soil quality. These practices are common with producers across South Dakota and have been recently studied by researchers to identify how they impact the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

A patch of switchgrass growing at the edge of a field.

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Planting Switchgrass on Marginal Lands

Switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) is a tall, native, prairie grass that is often seeded on marginal lands in South Dakota. It has gained growing popularity over the past decade not only as a source of biofuel and feed, but also as a method to improve soil properties.

A green tractor planting seeds in a no-till field. Courtesy: United Soybean Board [CC BY 2.0] via Flickr

Farm Practices That Improve Soil Health: Crop Rotations and No-Till

Implementing diverse crop rotations and no-till practices are common suggestions to reduce erosion, control pests, and improve yields. These practices can also improve soil health through an increase in soil carbon levels.

a lush, green grape vine with clusters of dark, purple grapes

Starting a Commercial Vineyard in South Dakota

Are you thinking of starting your own vineyard? This publication provides a brief overview of the issues you need to consider in determining whether grape growing might be a good fit for you.

Hands writing out a holiday budget on a notepad.

Planning for Holiday Expenses on a Tight Budget

The holidays are a time to spend with family and friends sharing good food and gifts. Unfortunately, this time of sharing can create stress for individuals and families who are living on a tight budget. Planning ahead and making decisions about spending will help the holidays be more enjoyable.

A wooden car cutout placed inside a small shopping cart next to a calculator and a notebook.

Shopping for Car Insurance

Does affordable car insurance mean the cheapest price, or does it mean getting the most for your money?

Insurance

Not sure where to start when purchasing insurance? Find out the basics of how insurance works, what it covers and what types are available.

A mother and two daughters pulling sleds through an open field.

The Value of Holiday Experiences

More and more people are changing how we give presents. Instead of focusing on the price tag, they are focusing on the experience of the gift. Here are a few options that are inexpensive and often more valuable than anything money itself can buy.

A pair of hands wearing garden gloves holding tomatoes. A white text overlay reads "2018 Farm Bill." This image is courtesy of the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Time to Sign up for 2018 Farm Bill

This winter it is time to study up on the Farm Bill elections and make an appointment with the local Farm Service Agency (FSA) in order to put the program in place for the farm. The deadline to make the election is March 15, 2020.

How to Choose the Right Adjuvant for the Job

With the rise of herbicide-resistant weeds, the use of an adjuvants is also on the rise and may be necessary to help control resistant weeds.