BROOKINGS, S.D. - David Wright is the new Plant Science Department Head at South Dakota State University, pending approval of the Board of Regents. "David Wright brings with him extensive industry experience as well as a renewed commitment to relevance and high levels of productivity within the department," said Barry Dunn, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Director of SDSU Extension. "He will do a great job working with the faculty and staff of the Plant Science Department to provide outstanding education for students and serve stakeholders and producers." - See more at: http://igrow.org/news/new-plant-science-department-head/#sthash.y7LjeMOA.dpuf

Highlights Breadth of Wheat Country Drought

Gov. Dennis Daugaard’s Drought Task Force has established a website that includes links to drought-related news releases, drought designation information, recommended feed-finder sites and other drought-related links for agricultural producers and other interested parties.

By Casey Chumrau, USW Market Analyst

Despite the worst drought since 1956, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) predicts that U.S. wheat farmers will produce a larger crop than last year and will stand ready once again to supply high quality wheat to the world. In its monthly World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) released July 11, USDA lowered its 2012/13 U.S. wheat production estimate for the second straight month to 60.5 million metric tons (MMT). However, that is still 12 percent greater than last year’s production and 2 percent above the five-year average.
 

To provide the most current information and resources to the state's crop and livestock producers, SDSU Extension will host Drought Updates at SDSU Extension Regional Centers throughout the state on Monday July 23. "The drought is worsening day by day and has reached the critical point where South Dakota's crop and livestock producers will need to make significant management decisions to address its challenges," said Rosie Nold, Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Director for SDSU Extension. "SDSU Extension is here to provide information and key resources."