Content by Matthew Diersen

Aerial view of a South Dakota farmscape.

Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) Decisions in South Dakota

For South Dakota producers, choosing between Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agricultural Risk Coverage (ARC) is an important part of managing farm risk. Before deciding, producers should weigh expected prices, county yields, and which program better fits their operation.

Drought-stressed pasture near Ladner, South Dakota.

Pasture, Rangeland and Forage – Rainfall Index Crop Insurance Program: Overview and Guidelines for South Dakota Producers

The Pasture, Rangeland and Forage – Rainfall Index crop insurance program has been available in South Dakota since 2013, and some South Dakota producers have used its payouts to protect their operation from the risks of forage loss when rainfall falls below the local average.

Corn residue resting in a partially harvested cornfield.

Crop Insurance

The SDSU Extension crop insurance team is here to answer all questions related to crop insurance endorsements, as well as to provide information and materials needed to make crop insurance decisions.

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.

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.

Black beef cattle in a cattle facility.

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.

Oats growing in a South Dakota field in late July.

Annual Forage Rainfall Index Insurance: A Risk Management Tool for South Dakota Producers

Drought remains a recurring challenge for South Dakota livestock and forage producers. Annual Forage Rainfall Index insurance is one tool that may help reduce the financial risk associated with below-average precipitation.

Row of black cattle lined up at a feed bunk.

Historic South Dakota Cattle Basis

Effective marketing and risk management techniques rely on benchmarks. Basis, the difference between a cash price and a futures price, is one such benchmark for those in the cattle industry.

Black cattle grazing in a pasture

Conservation, Grazing, and Forage Situation

This report summarizes recent trends in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), harvested hay acreage, and grazing capacity in the United States and South Dakota. The purpose is to give a current picture of conservation enrollment and forage supply.