Content by Laura Edwards

Little black bugs on a yellow flower

SDSU Extension experts win national agricultural association awards

July 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension experts were recognized nationally for their excellence in outreach and Extension programming.

Overhead view of State Fair 4-H exhibits
Sep 02

State Fair

The 2026 South Dakota State Fair will take place Wednesday, September 2, through Monday, September 7, at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, South Dakota.

People eat ice cream under a large tent
Aug 18

Dakotafest

Stop by the SDSU Extension booth at Dakotafest to meet specialists, ask questions, get recommendations and learn about programming and events.

Southwest view of pasture and range conditions at the Hermosa Mesonet station.

Climate and Drought Update: July 2026

On June 18, 2026, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their latest climate outlook for July and the coming three-month season through September.

View of pasture and cropland conditions at the Pierre, SD mesonet station.

Drought Update: Mid-June 2026

According to the June 11, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor, 53% of South Dakota is currently in drought. These conditions are strongest primarily in the southern half of the state, impacting approximately 623,996 residents, or roughly two-thirds of the state’s population, highlighting the ongoing and expanding impact of drought across South Dakota.

Cattle stand next to a watering hole in a pasture

SDSU Extension hosts drought meetings on June 17

June 04, 2026

SDSU Extension will hold free regional drought meetings on June 17, 2026, in response to current moderate to severe drought conditions affecting agriculture in southern South Dakota.

ebcam view of the Edgemont mesonet station.
Sep 17

Weather and Climate Trends for South Dakota & Seasonal Outlook Cattle HQ Live

Join SDSU Extension's beef team to gain valuable insights to improve the health, productivity and profitability of your herd. This month, we will discuss temperature and precipitation trends for South Dakota and projections for the coming decades.

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.