If the soil test says, 'There's almost nothing here,' but the plant says, 'I'm doing just fine,' which one should we believe?" The article examines a field where soil tests indicated very low phosphorus levels, yet corn tissue tests and crop performance suggested adequate phosphorus nutrition. The author explores whether conventional soil tests capture the full range of phosphorus available to plants and highlights the need for further observation and research.

Across much of South Dakota this morning, producers woke up to frost advisories and freeze warnings — another reminder of how unpredictable this growing season has become.

What if animals don’t just eat—they learn how to nourish themselves? Drawing on insights from Fred Provenza, this piece explores how livestock use experience, social learning, and plant diversity to manage their own nutrition—and what that means for the future of ranching and land management. Drought management depends on early action, flexibility, and protecting soil and resources rather than waiting for rain.