Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

How to Identify Common Stalk Borers and Thresholds

As corn is being planted, it is important to remember that there are insect pests capable of injuring young, vegetative corn. One such pest is the common stalk borer. Although common stalk borer outbreaks are sporadic, when present in high numbers they can cause significant yield loss.

Wet Corn: Storage and Late Harvest Options

With a very challenging harvest in many parts of south and southeastern South Dakota this year, farmers were faced with difficult decisions. Wet, unfrozen ground in many areas and high grain moisture forced many farmers had to make a decision: harvest the wet grain, or let it stand in the field.

Harvest Helpers

At the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to identify root and non-root fruits and vegetables and learn harvesting skills.

Pollinators Party

In this lesson, participants will learn how plants reproduce and how to identify pollinators that help plants.

A group of children examining the parts of a wildflower in a meadow.

Plant Part Powers!

Following this lesson, participants will be able to identify basic plant parts and use more complex plant part vocabulary.

Teacher pouring a small amount of seed into a student's hand to construct a tiny greenhouse.

Plant the Seed

In this Grow Getters lesson, students will learn to identify the parts of a seed and the growth and development of a seed to a plant.

A group of children observing a bed of garden soil with a teacher.

Stupendous Soils

In this Grow Getters lesson, you will answer the questions: “What is soil?” and “How can you make garden soil?”

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Being Proactive and Prepared During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Tips for South Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

August 10, 2020

Are you prepared to be gone from your operation for a month?

Cover crops growing in a field of harvested corn.

Utilizing Cover Crops for Grazing: An Assessment on Economic Benefits

Grazing cover crops by cattle provides an option to offset cover crop seed costs and increase farm revenue. To facilitate farmers’ decision making, this article will evaluate the economic profitability from grazing cattle on cover crops using a partial budgeting approach.

Gray tear drop shaped bugs feeding on a yellow squash.

Squash Bugs Are Active and Ready to Kill Your Plants

Squash bugs are a headache for gardeners almost every year in South Dakota. As their name implies, squash bugs feed on squash along with many other cucurbits. Injury caused by extensive feeding appears as wilting and may result in the death of infested plants.