Farm Business Management

All Farm Business Management Content

Cover crop mixture growing in a sprawling field.

Cover Crop Economics: Costs, Benefits, and Cost‑Share Programs

Cover crops are gaining attention across South Dakota as more producers look for ways to improve soil health, manage risk, and strengthen long-term productivity. Research consistently shows that cover crops improve soil structure, increase water holding capacity, reduce erosion, and help buffer crop losses during drought or extreme weather.

Three smart phones showing the Economy Today, Federal Reserve Policy, and Regional Economy tools in the Macroeconomic Report App.

Explore the Economy With the Macroeconomic Report App

The Macroeconomic Report mobile app brings current economic data and practical interpretation together in one place. It is designed for agricultural producers, businesses, lenders, students, policymakers, and anyone who wants to understand how inflation, employment, economic growth, housing, financial markets, and Federal Reserve policy are changing.

Group of beef cattle in a feedlot with hay bales stacked in the background.

Cow and Heifer Values

The mid-year Cattle inventory report from NASS continues to reflect the difficulty U.S. producers face when trying to expand beef operations. While the total cattle inventory was higher compared to July 1, 2025, the number of beef cows was lower and not offset by the small, absolute level of beef replacement heifers.

SDSU Extension to host Annie’s Project for Specialty Producers

September 15, 2026

Specialty crop producers across the region will have an opportunity to strengthen their business skills and learn new strategies for managing risk through a six week virtual program offered by South Dakota State University Extension finance and horticulture experts.

Women standing in a circle learning about rangeland plants

Women in Agriculture

SDSU Extension's women in agriculture programs are open to all. These programs are designed to provide practical education and a strong support network to benefit farmers, ranchers, business professionals and those who support the agricultural industry.

Annie's Project

Annie's Project is open to all who would like to learn more about agricultural business.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Endorsement Trends in South Dakota Crop Insurance

Recently there has been an increase in the use of endorsements on corn crop insurance policies. The dominant base- or farm-level coverage remains Revenue Protection. High crop margins corresponded with an increased use of margin-related endorsements. Large subsidy increases have encouraged the purchase of other endorsements.

A green cut alfalfa field dries in windrows as the sun sets.

Forage Production Insurance: Important Changes Ahead for 2027

Due to persistent drought conditions and volatile markets, Forage Production Insurance has become an important risk management tool for forage producers who rely on alfalfa and other perennial forages.

Farmer signing a lease on the tailgate of a pickup.

Oral Lease Agreements Automatically Renew on September 1

September 1 is the automatic renewal date for all oral agricultural land lease agreements in South Dakota.
Landowners and renters must notify all parties involved in the existing lease in writing by September 1. Failure to do so results in the lease being renewed with the same terms and conditions.

Cattle Weights Responding to Markets

Recent values reported by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service indicate another increase in the value of cattle production at the state level for the year. The high price levels are also strong incentives to deliver pounds and calves to the market.