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Cover Crops

All Cover Crops Content

Producers inspecting soil in a harvested wheat field.

Managing Cover Crops in Moisture Deficits

Planting cover crops after small grain harvest can be risky in central South Dakota. The decision to incorporate them into an annual cropping system should consider historical precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and soil moisture at time of planting.

Map of the location of the Precision Cover Crop Demonstration day

SDSU Extension to co-host Precision Cover Crop Demonstration Day on July 20

July 14, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension and the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service will host a Precision Cover Crop Demonstration Day starting at 9 a.m. on July 20, 2023, near Brookings.

Kristine Lang and Rhoda Burrows look at some plants with two men inside a high tunnel

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm to host Field Day on July 11

June 30, 2023

The South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm Field Day will be held on July 11 near Beresford, South Dakota.

Red, White x Kura, and Dutch White clover crops.

Integrating Clover Cover Crops for Pepper and Broccoli Production

South Dakota gardeners and specialty crop producers have expressed a need for cover crop research. Learn about a recent research project investigating clover cover crop integration for pepper and broccoli production.

Row of pepper plants growing among a bed of white clovers.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Pepper Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for pepper production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Several rows of broccoli plants with varying planting treatments.

Clover Cover Crops as a Living Mulch for Broccoli Production in Eastern South Dakota: 2022 Preliminary Results

A recent project at the SDSU Specialty Crop Research Field investigated using clover species as a living mulch for broccoli production systems to improve soil quality and suppress weeds.

Corn field with soil salinity problem.

South Dakota producers share their stories with SDSU Extension’s Every Acre Counts program

April 05, 2023

SDSU Extension has released nine videos of producers sharing their experiences in the Every Acre Counts program.

Northern Plains Forage Association Logo

Northern Plains Forage Association hosting free meetings during Central Plains Dairy Expo

March 13, 2023

The Northern Plains Forage Association informational meeting is from 2 to 3 p.m. March 29 and 30 during the Central Plains Dairy Expo at the Denny Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Rows of cut hay in a field ready for bailing.

Register today for SD Winter Forage Meeting

February 21, 2023

Registration is open for the South Dakota Winter Forage Meeting Feb. 28 in Madison, South Dakota.

Sectioned field of rye

Join SDSU Extension for two days of rye production, usage training

January 30, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension will host two days of Rye Production and Utilization Workshops on Feb. 15-16 in two South Dakota communities.