Dripping outside tap in summer showing a conceptual water ban or shortage 3d render (Photo: iStock - studio-fi)

Balancing economics with resources is theme of 2026 Eastern SD Water Conference

Mike Hamilton, extension irrigation instructor, is working to increase the adoption of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, in pursuit of more efficient irrigation and cost savings for farmers. (UADA photo)

Drone + software adds up to significant irrigation savings

  • By Mary Hightower │ University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture
Pivit, circle irrigation in an agriculture field along highway 138 near Orvid, Nebraska. (Adobe Stock-#604130167 │ Bob)

Twenty-five years of U.S. irrigation data shows shifting trends at the county-level

Herd of cows standing in pond, cooling down. (iStock-#1312534386 │ imamember)

K-State watershed specialists, livestock experts emphasize importance of water sources

Beef cattle in South Dakota beat the summer sun next to a man made pool while taking break from grazing in the pasture. (iStock-#2251402213 │ RyanJLane)

Livestock water testing

  • By Robin Salverson │ South Dakota State University Extension
The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. (Map courtesy of NDMC.)

Heat causes degradations in drought map

The U.S. Drought Monitor is jointly produced by the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. (Map courtesy of NDMC.)

Rains fell on northeast Texas and other regions

Mike Naig

Cover crop cost-share added to watershed