Content by Laura Edwards

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.

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.

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. CST.

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. CST.

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. CST.

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. CST.

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. MT.

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.