Plants or Crops
All Plants or Crops Content
Have you observed chemical management failure for alfalfa weevils?
SDSU Extension entomologists are currently looking for alfalfa fields with a past alfalfa weevil insecticide failures. We are collaborating with North Dakota State University and the University of Minnesota on project to determine if pyrethroid resistance exists in our respective states.
Garden Discovery Festival @ McCrory Gardens
SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens are kicking off the summer programming with the Garden Discovery Festival on Sunday, May 31, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. CDT at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57007).
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.
Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs
Black grass bugs are a common early-season pest of forage grasses. Drought conditions exacerbate their impact by stressing plants and reducing their ability to tolerate and recover from feeding injury.
Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow
Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.
Understanding Unit Conversions for Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Fertilizer Application Rates in Garden Soils
This factsheet provides unit conversions between different units that soil labs recommend for fertilizer application rates to gardens for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Safety & Training
Covering the range from animal handling to equipment safety, including training and certification to keep producers and their workforce productive.
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.
Fields of Growth: Taking Care of Your Mental Health During Planting Season
Despite the opportunities that come with a new planting season, it is just as important to care for your mental and physical health during this busy, stressful time of the year.
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.