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Content by Peter Sexton

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Heavy Metals in Swine Manure

This fact sheet explains what heavy metals are, how they enter swine manure, how they behave in soil, and what practical steps producers can take to reduce long-term risks.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Using Swine Manure Phosphorus More Efficienlty in South Dakota Cropping Systems

This fact sheet explains how feeding strategies, especially the use of low-phytate corn and related diet adjustments, can reduce phosphorus excretion in swine manure.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Swine Manure and Nitrate Leaching

This fact sheet explains how nitrate leaching occurs, why swine manure increases risk under certain conditions, and what producers can do to keep nitrogen where crops can use it.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Best Practices for Swine Manure Application

This fact sheet summarizes research-based practices to help producers, consultants, and conservation professionals make practical decisions that protect both productivity and stewardship.

South Dakota State University on-site wean-to-finish barn.

Impact of Swine Manure on Soil Organic Carbon

This fact sheet summarizes what research shows about how swine manure affects SOC and what that means for field-level decisions.

Organic crop field

SDSU Extension invites growers to Sioux Falls Organic Conference

February 17, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension and the Southeast Research Farm at SDSU invite farmers to attend the Sioux Falls Organic Conference on March 12.

Cover crops grow throughout a no-till crop field.
Mar 12

Organic Conference @ Sioux Falls

SDSU Extension and the SDSU Southeast Research Farm will host an organic conference on March 12 from 8:45 a.m. to 3:40 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Ramkota Hotel (3200 W Maple St, Sioux Falls, SD 57107)

An oats field with numerous small rows of green, oat grass emerged throughout.

Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Guidelines: Do we use the yield goal or maximum return to nitrogen approach?

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient commonly applied to oat crops. It is important to apply an appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to oats, as too little can reduce economic return, while too much can lead to potential negative environmental effects.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jan 06 - 07

Southeast Research Farm Seminars @ Dakota Farm Show

Join SDSU Extension for a series of educational presentations during the Dakota Farm Show from January 6-7, 2026, at the USD DakotaDome (1101 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069).

Oats growing in a no-till field.

Updating Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Recommendations in South Dakota

Research trial results for nitrogen fertilizer rate recommendation for oats in South Dakota.