Diseases & Disorders

All Diseases & Disorders Content

three older ladies laughing while looking at an iPad

Aging Mastery

The Aging Mastery Program offers a framework of creating and fulfilling purposeful retirement by guiding participants toward a healthier lifestyle, stronger social connections and increased civic engagement.

Corn field with severe wind and hail damage.

Are Fungicides Needed On Hail-Damaged Crops?

Recent storms brought rain, severe wind, and hail. With the hail and wind damage that occurred, many growers are wondering if a fungicide application is needed to protect their hail or wind-damaged crops.

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up in Soybean

Despite the prediction of low overwintering survival we have observed bean leaf beetles in soybean this week. See our latest observations and management recommendations.

Green corn leaf with yellow rust-colored spots throughout.

Southern Rust Observed in South Dakota Corn Fields

Southern Rust was recently confirmed in South Dakota corn fields. Yield impacts from Southern Rust can be high, so scouting for the disease is highly encouraged to determine if it is present.

Corn leaf with trace amounts of tar spot.

Tar Spot Confirmed in South Dakota

Trace amounts of tar spot were recently found in Yankton and Bon Homme counties and are thought to have originated from corn residue instead of windblown spores. This speaks to the importance of crop rotation in the management of this disease.

Producer examining a white lamb.

Coccidiosis in Lambs

Coccidiosis in lambs is a significant health concern that requires prompt recognition and treatment to minimize its impact. It primarily impacts young lambs, leading to severe gastrointestinal distress and potential economic losses for sheep producers.

Leaf with noticeable powdery mildew symptoms.

Powdery Mildew Presence in Your Garden: How to identify and prevent it

Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that targets a wide range of hosts. It is important to identify its presence as soon as possible to slow its spread and prevent irreversible damage.

Barn and farmyard with severe structural damage from a windstorm.

Tetanus: A Storm Aftermath Problem for Animals

Of all the challenges faced by animal caretakers in the wake of damaging storms, Tetanus is a potentially serious disease that might not appear for days or weeks later. Learn some expert tips for recognizing, treating and preventing it.

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

2025 Pesticide Container Recycling

The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2025 dates and locations.

Green wheat plants with some yellowing throughout.

Keep Watch: Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is Developing in South Dakota Fields

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus has been reported in South Dakota wheat fields and is also a major wheat disease for Great Plains states in 2025. The virus is sweeping across the state and is rampant in winter wheat.