BROOKINGS, S.D. — May 28, 2025 — Weed management, virtual fencing and variety trials are just some of the topics that will be covered during the 2025 slate of Research Station Field Days presented by the South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences. Events will be happening at locations across the state from June to mid-September, with each one focusing on local topics of interest.
“South Dakota is unique in the Midwest for how varied the different regions of the state are, especially when it comes to what types of production agriculture thrive in those areas,” said John Blanton, associate dean of research for the college and director of the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station. “Each of our research field stations is set up to represent its location within South Dakota and the type of farming happening in that region. We take pride in conducting research that applies to the local areas and considering what farmers in those areas are interested in and could benefit from.”
Each field day will feature guided tours showcasing the work being conducted at the research field station, and the information will be presented by university and SDSU Extension researchers and staff. More details about individual field days can be found below.
While there is no cost to attend the field days, registration is highly recommended in order to get accurate counts for food and resource materials. Registration for each field day will be made available closer to the events. Visit the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station website for more information and registration as it becomes available.
West River Research Farm Field Day
13370 Alkali Road, Sturgis
June 11, 3-8 p.m., dinner provided
Attendees at this field day will see a number of integrated technology demonstrations including using virtual fencing for sheep grazing, thermal and multispectral drones for crop monitoring, and precision livestock feeding and monitoring along with a farm tour.
Dakota Lakes Research Farm Field Day
21310 308th Ave., Pierre (17 miles east of Pierre on Highway 34)
June 26, 3 p.m.-dark, dinner provided
This field day will feature a tour of the popular oats/wheat variety trials, winter wheat breeding area and pulse crop evaluation area along with presentations on a number of agronomy topics.
Southeast Research Farm Grain Crops Field Day
29974 University Road, Beresford
July 8, 1:30-4:30 p.m.
Grain crops are the focus of this field day with specific topics including weed management, precision agriculture, conservation and nutrient management. Ice cream from SDSU’s Davis Dairy Plant will be provided to all attendees, and SDSU Extension is hosting an evening for families after the field day.
Northeast Research Farm Field Day
15710 455th Ave., South Shore (2.5 miles west of Interstate 29 off exit 193)
July 10, 4 p.m.-dark, dinner provided
Weed management, small grains breeding, disease and pest updates and management and soil health are among the presentation and tour topics for this field day.
Oak Lake Field Station Field Day
19862 483rd Ave., Astoria
July 10, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., lunch provided
Topics including the effect of pollinators on the plant community, using native plants to restore tall grass prairies, small mammal conservation in South Dakota, and looking at the changing flowering time over 120 years on the Coteau des Prairie.
Cottonwood Field Station Field Day
23738 Fairview Road, Philip
Aug. 13, 9 a.m.-noon
This field day will feature a hands-on demonstration of virtual fencing precision technology among other topics. All attendees will receive ice cream from SDSU’s Davis Dairy Plant.
