Content by Sara Bauder

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil from a no-till field.

SDSU Extension Crop Hour 2026 webinars start in January

November 24, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension’s Crop Hour webinar series for 2026 will return in January.

Aerial view of the SDSU Northeast Research Farm.
Jan 06

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension Crop Hour webinars provide valuable information for South Dakota crop producers to help them improve their profitability and prepare for the upcoming season.

Plastic bag containing numerous green larvae.

Learn about alfalfa weevil at Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting

November 17, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend the Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting and seminars, which will feature forage-related education and research.

Round bales of forage alongside an alfalfa field.
Dec 11

Northern Plains Forage Association Annual Meeting

The Northern Plains Forage Association will host its annual meeting and educational seminars on December 11 from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Brandon Holiday Inn Express (1103 N Splitrock Blvd, Brandon, SD 57005).

Tractor working a field after harvest
Dec 09

Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit Meeting & Southeast Research Farm Annual Business Meeting

The Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit Meeting will be held on December 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Freeman Academy Arboretum (900 Cedar St., Freeman, SD 57029). The Southeast Research Farm Annual Business Meeting will also occur from 12:45-1:00 p.m.

A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.

Prussic Acid Poisoning

As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa plant with purple flowers.

Watch for Blister Beetles in Later Alfalfa Cuttings

The frequent rain events experienced this summer has helped boost forage production. Although this is great for growers, the possibility of encountering blister beetles at harvest increases later in the summer.

Hail-damaged soybean field with storm clouds in the background.

Making Decisions With Hail-Damaged Row Crops

Late-season hail damage can leave growers wondering what to do next. Before deciding what to do with your hail-damaged fields, take some time to consider a variety of management options.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health.

A group of producers surveying a grazing area in early spring.

Spring Planting and Grazing Adjustments During Drought

Dry springs mean management changes for both farmers and ranchers as they plan for summer. Learn some important considerations for planting and grazing during a dry spring.