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Small Grains

All Small Grains Content

A sprawling sorghum field ready for harvest

Sorghum Weed Control

Early competition, especially from grass, is critical for successfully controlling weeds in sorghum. There are preemergence as well as postemergence herbicides available for this crop. Early treatment provides the best control of broadleaved weeds with crop stage also being a critical factor for some postemergence treatments.

Wheat growing in a field with rain clouds in the distance.

Optimizing Wheat Success for 2026

Whether it be winter wheat or spring wheat, there are many things to consider to help improve the health and success of these crops in the upcoming growing season.

oats

Oat Variety Trial Results

In 2025, oat variety trials were planted throughout various locations in South Dakota.

An oats field with numerous small rows of green, oat grass emerged throughout.

Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Guidelines: Do we use the yield goal or maximum return to nitrogen approach?

Nitrogen is an essential plant nutrient commonly applied to oat crops. It is important to apply an appropriate rate of nitrogen fertilizer to oats, as too little can reduce economic return, while too much can lead to potential negative environmental effects.

wheat field

Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results

The 2025 spring wheat variety trials were planted throughout various locations in South Dakota.

A sprawling sorghum field ready for harvest

Sorghum Trial Results

In 2025, sorghum trials were conducted in 2 locations in South Dakota.

Oats growing in a no-till field.

Updating Oat Nitrogen Fertilizer Rate Recommendations in South Dakota

Research trial results for nitrogen fertilizer rate recommendation for oats in South Dakota.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.
Jan 06

Southeast Research Farm Seminars @ Dakota Farm Show

Join SDSU Extension for a series of educational presentations during the Dakota Farm Show from January 6-7, 2026, at the USD DakotaDome (1101 N Dakota St, Vermillion, SD 57069).

A field of alfalfa.

Forage Variety Trial Results

The 2025 Forage Variety Trial Results include data from different locations in South Dakota.

Winter wheat field.

Winter Wheat and Nitrogen: Decisions for 2026 Growing Season

With fertilizer representing one of the largest variable costs in wheat production, inefficient nitrogen use can quickly erode profit margins. This being said, an emphasis should be placed on how to improve nutrient management during the 2026 growing season.