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Climate

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Climate and Weather

View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

Color-coded map showing precipitation outlook for the United States. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

May 2025 Drought and Climate Update

Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.

Bison herd grazing on a vast, rolling grassland.

Climate Toolbox How-To: Preparing Your Ranch for Future Climate Scenarios

This article explores practical insights and tools offered in the Climate Toolbox that equip bison ranchers to make informed decisions in ranch planning, grassland management, and parasite control.

A corn field in South Dakota looking very wet due to flooding from spring rains and melted snow.

Delayed Planting Challenges: Cover Crop Considerations

High waters and saturated soils across many counties in South Dakota have producers worried about getting their crops planted in a timely manner this spring. In many areas, typical cash crops will not be a possibility. Producers may need to develop alternative plans.

A grass forage blend grows in a central SD field as Red cattle graze.

Delayed Planting Challenges: Alternative Forages

With the excessively wet planting conditions much of South Dakota is now experiencing, many producers are looking for “Plan B” to meet forage needs for their livestock, or as a commodity that can be marketed to livestock producers.

Color-coded map showing the spring 2022 first-leaf return interval. For assistance reading this graphic and data set, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Late Spring Bloom in 2022

In South Dakota, with temperatures cooler than average in 2022, the arrival of spring has been later than usual. Indicators like the first leaf or bloom of some common plants can be used to define the arrival of spring.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

How to Stop Drift

The goals of applying any crop protection products include: increasing effectiveness, mitigating drift, and maximizing profits. We will focus on mitigating drift, even though all three interact with each other.

Snow-covered landscape along the Missouri River in Central South Dakota.

2024 Annual Climate Review

The final climate numbers are in for 2024. Learn what the year brought for temperatures, precipitation, and drought conditions throughout the state.

Storm clouds gathering over a vast, green field.

North Central Ag and Climate Conference brings together best regional research and outreach

June 05, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension invites agriculture and climate professionals to attend the North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference.

Three brown yearlings eating from a feeding trough.

SDSU Extension hosts cattle webinar series on market, climate and health trends

May 03, 2024

The Market, Climate, Health: Cattle Update one-hour webinar series is online via Zoom at 11 a.m. CDT / 10 a.m. MT on June 4, 11 and 18, 2024. Tickets are $30 and registration is required to receive the Zoom link. To register, visit extension.sdstate.edu/events and search “cattle”.