Weather

2026 Growing Season: Forecasted dry weather and the implications on postemergence herbicide activity

Weather cannot be controlled, but there are variables we can control to help increase the effectiveness of postemergence herbicides during drought conditions.

How to Maintain Soil Health During Dry Growing Conditions

Adopting soil health practices can help to reduce the loss of valuable topsoil by wind erosion during droughts. Learn how to manage your fields now or in the future to maintain soil health during periods of dry times.

Late-Spring Frost Damage to Corn and Soybeans

Early planting may increase yield potential in some years, but it also puts crops at risk for damage caused by early-season or late spring low temperatures.

Pasture Conditions

Pasture conditions need to be carefully considered when determining when to turn livestock out to pasture, especially during drier years. See some tips and tools to help make your operation's turn out season a success.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2026

Almost every year in South Dakota there is a risk that grasshopper populations will reach levels capable of causing issues for producers. Unfortunately, our prediction for the 2026 growing season won’t change the trend.

Diversifying Your Forage Base for Drought Flexibility

While no single strategy eliminates drought risk, diversifying the forage base can offer producers added flexibility by spreading risk across species, planting windows, and rooting depths.

Effects of Late Spring Frost on Alfalfa

Forage research indicates that, although alfalfa is considered to have good cold temperature tolerance, minor frost damage may occur when plants are exposed to air temperatures slightly below freezing for several hours, and more severe damage will be seen when temperatures drop below 25°F for four or more hours.

Building Resilient Farms Amid Increasing Weather Variability

Recent decades have brought a noticeable increase in climate variability in South Dakota. Understanding these trends and adopting adaptive management practices can help producers strengthen the resilience of their operations.

Managing Alfalfa Under Drought Stress

No one hopes for drought, but if the season should progress into a dry one, these are some considerations to make to ensure the best possible outcome for alfalfa crops.

Spring Pasture Report: Should You Delay Turnout in 2026?

As spring 2026 begins, South Dakota and most of the High Plains region is starting out well behind the mark in the moisture category.