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Alfalfa weevil larvae and adult.

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in Some Parts of South Dakota

Degree day accumulations indicate that alfalfa weevil larvae should be active throughout South Dakota.

Green alfalfa weevil larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 22, 2025

Degree day accumulations for alfalfa weevil larvae indicate that third to fourth instar larvae should be active in fields throughout South Dakota.

Green alfalfa weevil larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 5, 2024

Although the degree day estimates suggest that alfalfa weevils are no longer active in the fields and should be pupating, scouting has indicated otherwise.

Organic cabbage and sweet corn plants at the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Producing Organic Cabbage and Sweet Corn with Cover Crop Integration and Reduced Tillage: Updates from the SDSU Southeast Research Farm

Research on clover cover crops grown in combination with four tillage and weed suppression methods was conducted at the SDSU Southeast Farm. Vegetable crops trialed included sweet corn and three varieties of cabbage.

A tall, grassy warm-season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health.

Color-coded map showing precipitation outlook for the United States. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

May 2025 Drought and Climate Update

Drought has plagued South Dakota since last year’s growing season. While producers welcome a spell of dry weather for planting spring crops at this time of year, recent moisture will not be enough to carry through the growing season.

A green leafy spurge plant with small, yellow bracts at top. Various brown and green plants surround the green leafy spurge plant.

Leafy spurge has germinated and is growing rapidly in South Dakota: Scout carefully!

Leafy spurge can reduce the value and productivity of pasture and displace desirable vegetation. Now is the time to scout for infestations to determine which management tactics will be most effective.

Corn plants and scattered weeds emerge from a dry, no-till field.

Dry Conditions May Hinder the Performance of Recently Applied Preemergence Herbicides

If a preemergence herbicide does not receive an activating rainfall, generally 0.5 to 1 inch of rain, many weeds will emerge, as the herbicide remains on the soil surface.

Variety of vegetables growing inside a high tunnel.

SDSU Extension 2025 Garden Hour series starts May 6

May 02, 2025

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2025 Rangeland Grasshopper Hazard map. Photo Courtesy of USDA APHIS, PPQ.  ALT TEXT: Map of South Dakota of Northern Great Plains and the Western United States. Colors indicate the number of grasshoppers per square yard in each of the sampled locations. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2025

In 2025, it is likely that grasshopper populations will once again reach levels capable of causing issues in some areas of the state. Scouting should begin shortly after planting in areas where they were problematic in 2024 and continue throughout the growing season.