Content by Clarence Winter

Rain clouds gathering in the sky over a sprawling winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for the 2027 Growing Season

Producers cannot control fertilizer or grain markets, but they can control how efficiently nitrogen is used on their farms. Learn some key strategies and considerations for the 2027 growing season.

SD Sundog growing within a series of crop performance testing plots.

Utilizing Cool-Season Crops for Weed Management

For producers facing increasing challenges from herbicide-resistant Palmer amaranth or waterhemp, incorporating a cool-season crop can provide another tool for diversifying weed management.

Producer inspecting soil surface of a no-till field.

Does It Pay to Build Up Soil Phosphorus in High-pH Fields?

In high-pH soils, Phosphorus fertilizer can react with calcium already in the soil and form compounds that crops cannot easily use. It means that applied Phosphorus fertilizer can become “tied up” in the soil, leaving many farmers wondering whether the fertilizer they pay for is really working for them.

SDSU Extension invites public to annual Draper Winter Wheat meeting

August 13, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites producers and community members to the 37th annual Winter Wheat Meeting in Draper on Aug. 27, 2026.

Sunflowers blooming in a South Dakota Field.

Sunflower Production: Late-Season Weed Escapes Should Guide Future Weed Management Plans

Many sunflower fields across the state are far enough along in their development that the window for preventing weeds with residual herbicides has passed. Weed escapes that remain in the field through the remainder of the growing season can contribute seed back to the soil seedbank.

SDSU Extension invites public to free spring wheat field tours

June 22, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites all wheat producers, agronomists and agricultural professionals to attend the upcoming Spring Wheat Variety Tours on June 29, 2026.

A green field of winter wheat under a blue sky

SDSU Extension invites public to free Winter Wheat field tours

June 04, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension invites all wheat producers, agronomists and agricultural professionals to attend the upcoming Winter Wheat Variety Tours on June 9, 2026.

Road ditch near a crop field with noticeable soil deposited from wind erosion.

How to Maintain Soil Health During Dry Growing Conditions

Adopting soil health practices can help to reduce the loss of valuable topsoil by wind erosion during droughts. Learn how to manage your fields now or in the future to maintain soil health during periods of dry times.

Wheat growing in a field with rain clouds in the distance.

Optimizing Wheat Success for 2026

Whether it be winter wheat or spring wheat, there are many things to consider to help improve the health and success of these crops in the upcoming growing season.

A corn planter planting seeds into wheat residue in a no-till field.

The Economic Advantages of No-Till: Diesel Fuel

While no-till and conservation systems are often discussed for their soil health benefits, the economic advantages are becoming increasingly important in today’s farm economy, particularly when it comes to fuel costs.