Conservation

All Conservation Content

People sit at round tables with coffee cups and open notebooks

Registration still open for 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference

September 25, 2026

Registration is still open for the 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference on Oct. 7, 2026, in Brookings.

Grassed waterway leading to a large watershed in the distance.

Northern Plains Water Voice

SDSU Extension, in collaboration with its partners, will provide an educational video series on the issues and topics that impact water resources in South Dakota and the surrounding region.

a field in the fall with a small ditch with water flowing through it

25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum brings latest research to Owatonna, Minnesota

August 24, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites the public to the 25th annual Tri-State Drainage Research Forum this fall in Minnesota.

Natural Resources & Conservation

South Dakota is home to many unique land, water and wildlife resources. Our experts and partners offer research-based information through to help people enjoy, preserve and profit from these natural resources.

Beach Closings and Harmful Algal Blooms

Recently, the City of Mitchell issued a swimming advisory and public beach closing effective July 31, 2026. The reason for this was due to an elevated concentration of microcystin in the lake due to a harmful algal bloom (HAB).

A group of people listening to a presentation

Balancing economics with resources is theme of 2026 Eastern SD Water Conference

July 29, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the South Dakota Water Resources Institute at SDSU are excited to announce the theme of the 2026 Eastern South Dakota Water Conference: Balancing Economic Development with South Dakota Water Resources.

Conservation, Grazing, and Forage Situation

This report summarizes recent trends in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), harvested hay acreage, and grazing capacity in the United States and South Dakota. The purpose is to give a current picture of conservation enrollment and forage supply.

Lake water with abundant blue-green algae throughout.

What is the “a” in Chlorophyll-a?

Have you ever heard the term "chlorophyll a" used in reference to a lake's blue-green algae content? From type "a" to type "f," learn how different types of chlorophyll impact lakes and aquatic environments.

Cattle grazing a high-diversity, native pasture.

Connecting Nutrition and Conservation: The Importance of CPS 592

Conservation Practice Standard (CPS) 592 is a practical feed management framework that helps producers move toward greater profitability, accountability, and sustainability without sacrificing performance.

Herd of bison behind a fencline in a pasture.

Getting Started With Bison Ranching

While bison ranching has some similarities with cattle ranching, there are significant differences that must be accounted for to ensure long-term sustainability and profitability.