Crop Management

All Crop Management Content

Research plots at the SDSU West River Research Farm.
Jul 17

West River Organic Farm Tour

SDSU Extension will host an organic farm tour on Friday, July 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the SDSU West River Research Farm.

aerial view of South Dakota farm and surrounding land

Crops

During the growing season, SDSU Extension provides weekly production recommendations.

Sunflower growing in a South Dakota field.
Jul 08

Growing Smarter: Research for Resilient Farms

The USDA Agriculture Research Service will host its 32nd Annual Field Day - Growing Smarter: Research for Resilient Farms on July 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. CDT at the Eastern South Dakota Soil and Water Research Farm (3714 Western Ave, Brookings, SD 57006).

Drought-stressed cornfield.

Agronomic Considerations During Drought

Despite technological advances, weather factors still play a major role in crop production, especially during dry times. Making smart agronomic decisions can prevent a drought situation from getting worse.

Corn emerging in a no-till field in late spring.

Late-Spring Frost Damage to Corn and Soybeans

Early planting may increase yield potential in some years, but it also puts crops at risk for damage caused by early-season or late spring low temperatures.

A planting of alfalfa.

Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa

Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.

A corn planter planting seeds into wheat residue in a no-till field.

The Economic Advantages of No-Till: Diesel Fuel

While no-till and conservation systems are often discussed for their soil health benefits, the economic advantages are becoming increasingly important in today’s farm economy, particularly when it comes to fuel costs.

South Dakota Mesonet weather station along agricultural land in Beresford, South Dakota.

Building Resilient Farms Amid Increasing Weather Variability

Recent decades have brought a noticeable increase in climate variability in South Dakota. Understanding these trends and adopting adaptive management practices can help producers strengthen the resilience of their operations.

several plots of alfalfa

Alfalfa Variety Trial Results

Progress reports for alfalfa variety trials.

A field of no-till soybeans and corn.

SDSU Extension Tile Drainage Economics Calculator

Calculator for farmers who are interested in evaluating the decision to install tile drainage from an economic perspective.