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Cover Crops

All Cover Crops Content

Field pea cover crop blend growing in a field of corn residue.

Midwest Cover Crops Council Releases Third Edition Cover Crops Field Guide

November 29, 2021

Cover crops are used to slow erosion, improve soil health and capture nutrients. From planting to termination, growers face many production decisions, however.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Resources Available to S.D. Farmers and Ranchers

Forages are a very important part of the South Dakota livestock and cropping industries. Often, producers have difficulties finding enough forage for their herd or locating a fellow producer to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely-recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.

Ruth Beck to Retire from SDSU Extension Agronomy Team

October 12, 2021

After 17 years providing education and service to South Dakota growers and agribusiness professionals, SDSU Extension Agronomy Field Specialist Ruth Beck has announced her retirement.

A sprawling, planted field with young crops emerging

Crop Rotation in Farm Management 

Crop rotation has long been considered an important farm practice. In 2013 producers had to stray from their well thought out crop rotations when the winter wheat crop in South Dakota failed.

bare field in spring waiting to be planted

Planting Considerations for a Late Spring

Farm fields in some areas are unusually wet this year with many low areas under water. These conditions will make planting a challenge for farmers this year.

A stand of field peas mixed with small grains being grown for forage.

Peas Offer Options in 2020

Current events have made decisions around crop options very difficult this spring. Field peas are an option that may have a fit for some producers.

a tractor driving in a field next to a pond

South Dakota Grassland Management School Workshops Set For July 27, 28

July 15, 2021

The 2021 Grassland Management School workshops will be held at the Eck Restoration Project north of Henry, South Dakota on the shores of Warner Lake.

Cover crops emerging from a no-till field.

Do Cover Crops and Grazing Harm Soil Properties?

Fact sheet for a study that was conducted to compare short and long-term animal grazing on soil health and water properties at four locations in SD.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Resources for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Producers often have difficulties locating fellow producers to buy, sell or rent forages and grazing acres too. South Dakota now has two widely recognized, free resources to aid in these connections.

Farmer standing over insecticide jug in wheatgrass field

A Ban or New Rules for Chlorpyifos May Be Coming Soon

Recently, a federal appeals court gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a 60-day deadline to either ban insecticides containing chlorpyrifos or set new guidelines for its use.