Farm Management

All Farm Management Content

Small reddish-orange beetles on a green sunflower bud with a larger grey beetle also present.

Identifying Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevils

When scouting sunflower, the most observed weevil is the red sunflower seed weevil. However, there are two species of seed weevils that can be present on sunflower heads in South Dakota.

Numerous grasshoppers feeding on a yellow sunflower head.

Watch Sunflowers for Grasshopper Defoliation and Flower Feeding

Grasshoppers continue to be an issue in some areas of South Dakota. The hotspots seem to be along the Missouri River, but it is a reminder that everyone should be monitoring their crops for grasshopper feeding.

Diseased sunflower head, showing sclerotia bodies that have replaced seeds.

Sclerotinia Concerns in Sunflower

Sclerotinia diseases are a concern in sunflowers, because the fungus can infect the plant through the root, mid-stalk or the head. Wet weather and cool temperatures two-to-three weeks prior to and during flowering favor disease development.

Gray beetle with long antennae that are alternating white and black pattern on green leaf petiole.

Will Dectes Stem Borers Be an Issue in 2020?

Every year, there is a risk that sunflower in South Dakota will be infested by Dectes stem borer larvae. At this point in the season, adults are active, and females have likely been laying eggs in sunflower plants.

A green combine that has caught fire in the field.

Avoiding Field Fires During Fall Harvest

With dry and drought conditions in the late summer and fall, crops dry down rapidly and harvest starts early. The climate outlook may be favorable for an uninterrupted run at harvest. However, the risk of fires during harvest is always a concern for farmers.

South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility exterior.

SDSU Swine Day to Celebrate Swine Education and Research Facility’s Fifth Anniversary

October 08, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension will commemorate the fifth anniversary of the SDSU Swine Education and Research Facility at this year’s Swine Day on Nov. 2.

Brown and white cow grazing on standing cornstalks

Considerations for Grazing Standing Corn

Grazing standing corn is a viable option to supply nutrients to livestock. However, mitigating risk is critical to ensure healthy animals and optimize crops.

A green combine dumps soybean grain into a green wagon at dusk in South Dakota.

A Safe Harvest

Personal safety can be easier said than done when running on little sleep and working through the thick of harvest. Learn some important safety tips to keep you and your operation safe during this busy time of the year.

A series of red barns and grain silos on rolling hills in a farmyard.

SDSU Extension Increases Access to Sustaining the Legacy Conference

September 23, 2021

Starting in the fall of 2021, SDSU Extension will host two-day Sustaining the Legacy Conferences in five different locations across the state of South Dakota.

A group of cattle grazing in fall pasture.

Organizers Unveil Lineup for the XXVII Range Beef Cow Symposium

September 21, 2021

Cattle ranchers and industry professionals are invited to hear the latest cutting-edge information and updates at the upcoming Range Beef Cow Symposium Nov. 16-17 in Rapid City, South Dakota.