Skip to main content

Extreme Heat

All Extreme Heat Content
Owners of a specialty crop farm smiling at each other in a small on-farm market as a customer shops in the background.

Resources to Stay Safe on Specialty Crop Farms

When was the last time you’ve thought about safety on your farm? View a collection of science-based safety resources for small and medium-scale commercial specialty crop farms from the field to the market.

Woman taking a break to drink a sports drink while exercising outdoors.

Safe Exercise Habits in the Summer Heat

Midwesterners always get excited when the temperatures warm up and daylight gets longer during the summer, but there is some extra care required to exercise safely in summertime heat and humidity.

White goat resting in a drought-stressed pasture.

Heat Stress in Small Ruminants

The Upper Midwest provides periods of extreme heat during summer and shorter periods of heat stress potential during spring and fall. Are your sheep and goats cool enough in their environment?

Drought-stressed corn field.

Drought and Heat Effects on Corn Production

Nearly every season in South Dakota there are periods of hot, dry weather in at least parts of the state. While we have no control over the weather, producers can prepare for drought stress by using proactive practices.

Black angus cow drinking from a waterer.

Weather and Water Intake in Beef Cattle

Water is a vital nutrient for beef cattle health and performance, and it is important to understand how weather can influence water intake during periods of warmer and cooler weather.

Group of mixed cattle cooling off in a stock pond.

Indicators of Heat Stress

All cattle experience heat stress, whether they are in the feedlot or out on pasture. Learn some key indicators to watch for when herds are faced with extreme heat events.

Rain gauge on a fence post along a well-managed rangeland area.

Five Range Management Principles: #5 Climate Ready

Understanding your ranching system is critical, and identifying anticipated soil-plant-animal responses during periods of dry, wet, or normal conditions will enable you to develop climate-ready practices. Learn how to get started today!

Aborted tomato flowers, yellow tomato shoulders, sunburned squash.

Heat Causes Problems With Garden Produce

When temperatures warm over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, gardeners will often see a decline in vegetable performance. Learn about some common issues that arise during extreme temperatures and what you can do to manage them.

Group of mixed cattle in a hot, dusty feedlot.

SDSU Extension Encourages Producers to Prepare for Extreme Heat Temperatures

August 02, 2022

SDSU Extension provides resources to help livestock producers prepare for extreme temperatures. With temperatures expected to rise into the upper 90s over the next week, it is important for producers to prepare and have proper mitigation strategies in place.

A lush, green lawn with a few scattered weeds throughout.

Use Caution With Turf Herbicide Applications During Extreme Heat and Drought

Dry conditions cause weeds to be under stress. This decreases herbicide effectiveness with annual, biannual and perennial plants. So, is there a safe option for weed control in yards during high temperatures and dry conditions?