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Integrated livestock systems, variety trial results and breeding program updates are just some of the topics that will be covered during the 2026 South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station field days presented by the Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ 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.

The concept of knowing what the customer wants before plunging headfirst into a business venture can be applied to any industry, including agriculture. In fact, Great Plains I-Corps is beginning an eight-session program in August for teams that are developing agriculture or ag-related technologies. It is dubbed Great Plains I-Corps: Ag45 because teams will conduct 45 customer discovery interviews, engaging directly with stakeholders across the agriculture ecosystem to test and refine their assumptions. Six of the eight sessions are virtual with two sessions and two conferences in Fargo. Orientation (Aug. 13) and the next four three-hour sessions are virtual. In-person sessions are Sept. 15 and 18, sandwiching the Big Iron Farm and Construction Show Sept. 16 and the Autonomous Nation conference Sept. 17. The last session is Sept. 24.

The Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ Department of Animal Science hosted its annual Celebration of Animal Science Achievements and Excellence on April 23 at McCrory Gardens.

Three individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to South Dakota and beyond will receive honorary doctorates from Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ and the South Dakota Board of Regents at the university’s 140th commencement May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena.

Members of the Brookings community are invited to a facilitated dialogue and expert panel discussion on vaccine hesitancy from 6:30-8 p.m. Monday, May 11, at the McCrory Gardens Education and Visitor Center.

Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ is hosting its 140th commencement ceremonies May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena. Community members should be aware of increased traffic flow and patterns throughout the weekend due to several campus activities.

The South Dakota Perinatal Quality Collaborative, part of Ä¢¹½´«Ã½â€™s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, in collaboration with Postpartum Support International – South Dakota, will host a walk and fundraiser to raise awareness about perinatal mental health issues on Saturday, May 23.

The Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band will join the Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade in fall 2026. More than 300 Jackrabbits will travel to the Windy City.

Seven members of the professional staff at Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ will be honored for their quality work at the SDSU Professional Staff Advisory Council annual meeting May 13.

Four Ä¢¹½´«Ã½ soon-to-be graduates will be featured speakers at the university’s 140th commencement May 9 at First Bank & Trust Arena.