Content by Laura Edwards

Sprayer applying pesticides to a field.
Feb 26

Commercial Applicator Training @ Ft. Pierre

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Ft. Pierre at the AmericInn by Wyndham (312 Island Dr, Ft. Pierre SD 57532) on February 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tractor applying postemergence herbicide to a soybean field early in the growing season.
Feb 05

Commercial Applicator Training @ Brookings

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Brookings at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006) on February 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A green boom sprayer parked outside a crop field.
Feb 03

Commercial Applicator Training @ Aberdeen

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Aberdeen at the Dakota Event Center (720 Lamont St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401) on February 3, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tractor applying postemergence herbicide to a corn field early in the growing season.
Jan 29

Commercial Applicator Training @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Mitchell at the Highland Conference Center (2000 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301) on January 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sprayer applying pesticides to a field.
Jan 27

Commercial Applicator Training @ Rapid City

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Rapid City at the DoubleTree by Hilton (505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD 57701) on January 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the number of classes of change in drought conditions from June 3 to September 2, 2025. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook

A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.

Color-coded map showing precipitation outlook for the United States. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

May 2025 Drought and Climate Update

Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.

Snow-covered landscape along the Missouri River in Central South Dakota.

2024 Annual Climate Review

The final climate numbers are in for 2024. Learn what the year brought for temperatures, precipitation, and drought conditions throughout the state.

Owners of a specialty crop farm smiling at each other in a small on-farm market as a customer shops in the background.

Resources to Stay Safe on Specialty Crop Farms

When was the last time you’ve thought about safety on your farm? View a collection of science-based safety resources for small and medium-scale commercial specialty crop farms from the field to the market.

Storm clouds gathering over a vast, green field.

North Central Ag and Climate Conference brings together best regional research and outreach

June 05, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension invites agriculture and climate professionals to attend the North Central Agriculture and Climate Conference.