SDSU Extension Hosts Soil Health and Profit Meeting

By Scout Nelson

South Dakota State University Extension is hosting a soil health meeting to help farmers improve soil management and increase profit. The event, called Managing Soil: Maximizing Profit, takes place on December 9, 2025, in Freeman. It runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. CST at the Freeman Academy Arboretum and includes the Southeast Research Farm annual business meeting.

The meeting focuses on soil fertility and why it matters for crop producers. Speakers explain how good soil decisions help support healthy crops, reduce risk, and improve long-term profit. SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist Anthony Bly says that unbiased crop production information is important for better decision-making and farm success.

Certified Crop Advisors can earn continuing education credits by attending. Registration costs $25 per person, and lunch is included. Participants can sign up through the SDSU Extension Events page.

The program features updates from Ray Ward of Ward Laboratories in Nebraska. Farmer Kurt Stiefvater from the Salem area shares his own experience with managing soil health in a profitable way. These real-world examples help farmers understand how soil care influences crop performance.

More expert presentations include a long-term weather outlook from SDSU Extension Climatologist Laura Edwards. Weather plays a key role in planning for crops, soil activities, and input choices. Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Specialist Madalyn Shires explains the costs and returns linked to fungicide use in corn, helping farmers understand when treatments are useful.

Peter Sexton, SDSU Extension Sustainable Cropping Systems Specialist and Supervisor of the Southeast Research Farm, gives an update on research work taking place at the farm. This helps producers learn about new studies and practices that may support future crop decisions.

The day ends with a panel discussion including several experts and South Dakota farmers. They answer questions, share experiences, and discuss ways to support soil health and profit. For more details, participants may contact SDSU Extension staff members Anthony Bly or Sasha Huether.

Photo Credit: south-dakota-state-university