Content by SDSU Extension

A flock of white sheep grazing in a small pasture.

Sheep Breeds

Everyone has heard the fairytale “Baa Baa Black Sheep Have You Any Wool?” but what about the double-coated California Red, the multi-colored Katahdin sheep with hair, or the East Friesian dairy ewe that produces over 1,100 pounds of milk a year? Sheep come in different shapes, sizes, and colors and all of them provide different functions and uses for producers. These can range from meat, wool, and milk production or a combination of characteristics.

Targeted Feeding for Heifer Development

Heifer development starts with proper whole-herd nutrition year round. Reviewing the basics of heifer development starting with post-weaning selection and development is a good place to start.

vegetables growing in three plastic tubs

Early Spring Gardeners Prepare to Plant Cool Season Vegetables

The early spring weather has vegetable gardeners ready to proceed with caution into planting the first round of vegetables in South Dakota. Cool season vegetables are those that prefer cool growing temperatures between 60 degrees to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and lose quality in hot weather.

an image of red and yellow cherry tomatoes

Founding a Farmers Market: Form a Planning Team

The first step to forming a new farmers market is to form a planning team. Keep the team small enough so that it is simple, small and manageable.

Community Gardens: Types of Plants

A community garden will have to determine if they allow perennial growing plants or if they only allow annuals. Perennials can be great additions, as people enjoy growing and eating asparagus, strawberries, raspberries, tree fruit and others.

Community Gardens: Lease Agreements

Once the location of your community garden has been determined, it is suggested that you draft a lease agreement outlining the expectations and responsibilities of the community garden group and the landlord.

Community Gardens: Garden Rules

It is necessary to have a clear set of rules or guidelines established for community garden participants. Every garden and community is different, so local organizers will want to establish rules that work best for their program. When developing your garden’s rules or guidelines include a range of perspectives, from the leadership team to the landowner to the gardeners.