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Small Grains

All Small Grains Content

oats

Oat Variety Trial Results

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

wheat field

Spring Wheat Variety Trial Results

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

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.

A field of green winter wheat.

Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results

The Winter Wheat Variety Trial Results are crop performance testing data from various locations across South Dakota.

Rye test plots

Rye Variety Trial Results

2025 Rye Variety Trial Results in South Dakota.

A female Hessian fly on a blade of wheat.

Hessian Fly: Winter Wheat Planting Date Considerations

As winter wheat planting rapidly approaches, there are many factors that should be considered. One of those factors is choosing a planting date to avoid Hessian fly issues. Learn some expert tips for selecting a safe planting date for your region.

Wheat plants infected with wheat streak mosaic virus.

Volunteer Wheat and Kochia Management With Herbicides Will Likely Require Two Passes

Wheat curl mites, which carry wheat streak mosaic virus, use volunteer wheat and grass weeds as secondary hosts to infest recently planted winter wheat crops. Therefore, effective management of these plants before winter wheat planting is critical.

Green aphid with black cornicles and black patterns on legs.

Aphid Populations Continue To Increase in Wheat

English grain aphid populations are continuing to increase in wheat. With increasing pressure, it is important to scout wheat fields to ensure that the populations do not cause yield loss.

Bird cherry oat aphids, English grain aphids, Greenbugs.

Don’t Forget To Scout for Aphids in Wheat

Aphids are present in South Dakota wheat fields, and that means it’s time to start scouting.