Content by Sara Bauder

A reddish brown calf with a white face grazing in a snow covered pasture

Opportunities for Swath Grazing in South Dakota

Fact sheet on the opportunities for Swath Grazing in South Dakota

Forage Field Day to be Held Aug. 4

July 15, 2022

SDSU Extension and Nebraska Extension will host their collaborative 2022 Forage Field Day at the University of Nebraska Haskell Ag Lab on Thursday, Aug. 4, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CDT.

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

Using Annual Cover Crops and Forages in Lieu of Row Crops

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to mitigate challenging planting seasons.

Two producers inspecting freshly cut alfalfa in a field.

Alfalfa Harvest Timing and Objectives

Guessing when to make that first cutting can be difficult, as using plant maturity or calendar dates alone can be quite risky. Get the most out of your first cutting with some expert tips that consider the timing and objectives of alfalfa harvest.

Hand holding a dead early-planted soybean seed.

Risks of Early Soybean Planting in South Dakota

Early soybean planting offers potential yield benefits, but it also poses some risks. Learn some expert tips and considerations for early soybean planting this growing season.

“Snirt” and How To Minimize It

Blowing soils, dust storms and “snirt” (snow with dirt on it) are frequent challenges during dry, windy winters. Learn some soil health principles to limit erosion and minimize snirt on field edges this planting season.

Three grain bins on the edge of a snow-covered field.

Forecasted Cold Temperatures Can Be Used To Cool Down Stored Grain

If temperatures are forecasted as being well below freezing, it would probably be a good time to start thinking about cooling stored grain. Cooling grain reduces the activity of stored grain insect pests and suppresses any mold growth that may otherwise occur.

SDSU Extension’s Crop Hour 8-week webinar series will cover several areas of agronomic production, from soybeans and wheat to cover crops and climate. Photo Credit: Sara Bauder, SDSU Extension

SDSU Extension to Kick Off Crop Hour Webinar Series in January

January 10, 2022

SDSU Extension will, once again, deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars this winter. Starting Jan. 11, every Tuesday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST, participants are invited to take their coffee break online to hear the latest in crop management and agronomic research from SDSU Extension.

Female producer holding a soil core sampling probe in a harvested soybean field.

Fall Soil Sampling

With fertilizer prices on the rise, it’s more important than ever to understand your soil test levels and crop response to applied fertilizers. Fall is a great time to soil sample before freeze up.

Aphanomyces Root Rot of Alfalfa

Fact sheet on Aphanomyces Root Rot of Alfalfa