Weeds & Invasive Plants
A Surge in Spurge
Spotted spurge is a common, drought-tolerant weed known for its prostrate growth pattern, meaning it grows lying flat on the ground. This is one of the most-difficult weeds to control in lawns, gardens, and landscaping.
What is Velvetleaf?
Velvetleaf is a large weed with soft leaves that’s normally associated with corn and soybean fields. However, we’re hearing more gardeners and specialty crop growers reporting its presence.
Avoid Noxious Weeds When Haying Right-Of-Way Ditches
After June 15 or July 10 (dependent on location), right-of-way ditches can be mowed or hayed as announced by the South Dakota Department of Transportation. While there is a demand for grass hay, care should be taken when haying right-of-way ditches.
SDSU Extension Pesticide Applicator Testing Locations
Whether you are interested in becoming certified as a private or commercial pesticide applicator, SDSU Extension is proud to offer in-person pesticide applicator testing locations throughout South Dakota.
Sunflower Production: Late-Season Weed Escapes Should Guide Future Weed Management Plans
Many sunflower fields across the state are far enough along in their development that the window for preventing weeds with residual herbicides has passed. Weed escapes that remain in the field through the remainder of the growing season can contribute seed back to the soil seedbank.
Soybean Plants Are Entering the Reproductive Stage (R1): Last chance to spray select herbicides
The summer solstice roughly marks the date when soybean plants switch from vegetative growth to reproductive growth. An important aspect of the reproductive growth stage is that many herbicides can no longer be applied after plants reach any bloom stage.
Woody Encroachment Field Tour @ Yankton
SDSU Extension and its partners will host a field tour near Yankton on August 27 at 5:30 p.m to discuss woody encroachment treatment options.
Clock tells the time of the day, not when the job is done. Is that true for weed management?
Common banter at the farm gate implies farmers work long days to get the job finished. However, weed management may improve if spraying stops at a particular time of day.
Reminder: Cutoff for over-the-top dicamba products labeled for soybean is June 30 or R1 growth stage in South Dakota
Over-the-top dicamba products for application in soybean have been relabeled for the 2026 growing season. A stipulation for applying these herbicides is a cutoff date of June 30 or R1 soybean.
South Dakota Pesticide Container Recycling
The South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources is again offering pesticide container recycling services across the state. View a complete list of 2026 dates and locations.