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Sheep have been a part of nearly every chapter of Patty DeZeeuw’s life — first as a Custer County 4-H member, then as a South Dakota State University wool judge. And since 1979, she and her husband, Rufus, have raised purebred Suffolk sheep.

South Dakota State University colleges of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences and Education and Human Sciences honor Patty DeZeeuw, Elkton; Mary Duvall, Pierre; Jerry Schmitz, Vermillion; and Kevin Scott, Valley Springs; with the 2026 Eminent Leaders in Agriculture, Family and Community Award.

Crystal Levesque, professor of monogastric nutrition at South Dakota State University, has been named the inaugural Rick Wahlstrom Endowed Chair in Swine Production. The appointment recognizes her strong research program and commitment to student success.

A new study from South Dakota State University's Ness School of Management and Economics found that about a quarter of surveyed farmers in Eastern South Dakota have adopted drone technology, despite high upfront costs.

The South Dakota State University Dairy Quiz Bowl Team claimed the top spot at the American Dairy Science Association's Annual Meeting in Milwaukee June 21-24.

Key investments paved the way for the university's long-term research growth and ascent toward R1 classification.

The South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences will host three field days in eastern South Dakota. Each one will feature SDSU researchers sharing their expertise on a variety of topics applicable to local farmers and community members.

There will be something for everyone at the South Dakota State University Southeast Research Farm Grain and Horticulture Crops Field Day on Tuesday, July 7, beginning at 1:30 p.m.

All are invited to learn more about conservation research projects and how South Dakota State University is preparing the next generation of conservationists at the upcoming Oak Lake Field Station Field Day. Hear from SDSU experts on a variety of conservation topics on Thursday, July 9, from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 19862 483rd Ave., Astoria.

Northeast South Dakota has a cooler climate than other parts of the state, so farming may look a little different than other regions. Research conducted at the South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm near South Shore is directly applicable to local farmers’ fields and operations, making its upcoming field day a must-attend for local producers.