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Small Grains

All Small Grains Content

blades of brome grass with a brown to black, thumbnail-shaped growth on one of the blades.

Ergot: A Potential Livestock Poisoning Problem

Cool, damp weather followed by warmer temperatures favors grasses becoming infected with ergot bodies, which can cause a certain kind of poisoning that can affect cattle on pasture.

A wheat stem sawfly with long antennae, smoky wings, and black and yellow coloration.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Adults Observed in South Dakota

During the 2024 wheat stem sawfly survey, wheat stem sawfly adults were captured in northwestern South Dakota. Observation is used to determine areas where solid stem wheat varieties should be considered.

Color-coded map of South Dakota showing Fusarium Head Blight risk throughout the state. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Fusarium Head Blight Forecast

The warm and humid conditions prevalent in South Dakota throughout June 2024 have significantly favored Fusarium head blight disease development. As of this week, the risk for Fusarium head blight has begun to increase.

Top: Field pennycress leaves and seeds. Bottom: Shepherd’s purse leaves and seeds.

Early Season Prevalence of Field Pennycress and Shepherd’s Purse

Many fields that are planted to winter wheat or have yet to be tilled may have a healthy infestation of field pennycress or shepherd’s purse. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing these weeds before they become a problem this growing season.

Wheat leaf showing symptoms of Septoria.

Look Out For Early Season Wheat Diseases

Conditions have been favorable for disease development in South Dakota winter wheat fields, especially for Septoria. It’s important to scout fields to determine what diseases are present before deciding to apply a fungicide early in the season.

Maturing wheat field with lodged plants.

Hessian Fly Pupae Detected in Central South Dakota

Recent reports of lodged wheat in central South Dakota revealed Hessian fly pupae in the lodged plants. Learn how to identify and manage this pest before it impacts your wheat harvest.

Spring wheat field with wheat emerging in early spring.

Latest Recommended Planting Dates for Spring Wheat in South Dakota

A major question that producers have been asking is, “How late can wheat be planted in South Dakota without a significant reduction in yield potential?” See our latest recommendations for those considering late planting this May.

green plant growing in a field with small grains growing on the ends

Proso Millet Trial Results

In 2020, proso millet trials were conducted in 1 location in South Dakota.

Spring wheat emerging from a field of corn stubble.

Planting Spring Wheat Into Corn or Milo Residue: Considerations for Scab

Due to current grain prices and other reasons, growers may be considering planting spring wheat into fields that were planted to corn or milo last season. While this type of crop rotation is not generally recommended, economic and logistical challenges sometimes may dictate otherwise.

Spring wheat growing in a no-till field. Courtesy: USDA NRCS South Dakota, (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Chloride Fertilizers May Be Beneficial in Spring Wheat Production

Chloride, the ionic form of chlorine, although not considered an essential nutrient, has long been observed to be highly beneficial to field crops. Chloride is known to play an essential role in plant development and osmoregulation.