Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

Spraying pesticides on vegetable plant
Mar 18

Private Applicator Training for Specialty Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for specialty crops on March 18, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

A sprayer applying liquid herbicides on corn
Jan 21

Private Applicator Training for Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for crops on January 21, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

Beef cattle out at pasture at Cottonwood Field Station
Dec 17

Private Applicator Training for Rangelands

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for rangelands on December 17, 2025, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT) focused on managing pests in rangelands. Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

Dark-green gelatinous masses on a patch of grass.

Nostoc in Lawns

Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria that form colonies in gelatinous masses. In South Dakota, it commonly appears in home lawns, notably in patches where grass is not growing, especially after periods of rain.

Wooden planks forming a raised circular garden bed with a notch in the side for access

Keyhole Gardens

Keyhole gardens combine composting, water conservation, and space efficient planting in a single raised bed design. They give gardeners a practical way to produce vegetables, herbs, and flowers when space, soil, or water would otherwise be limited.

Swarm of mosquitoes.

West Nile Virus Update: October 16, 2025

As of October 16, 2025, the South Dakota Department of Health reported 86 human cases of West Nile virus from Aurora, Beadle, Bon Homme, Brookings, Brown, Charles Mix, Clay, Codington, Corson, Douglas, Grant, Gregory, Haakon, Hamlin, Hand, Hughes, Hutchison, Hyde, Lawrence, Lincoln, Marshall, Meade, Miner, Minnehaha, Pennington, Roberts, Sanborn, Spink, Stanley, Todd, Union, Walworth, and Yankton counties.

Sun rising at the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, D.C.

Changes to the Commodity Title from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act: Impact on South Dakota crops

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act contains several changes to the Title I Commodity Programs. Learn how these changes may impact crops in South Dakota compared to crops grown in other regions in the United States.

tall trees in the Black Hills

Tree Pest Alert

From seasonal issues and timely recommendations to disease diagnosis and expert advice, the Tree Pest Alert is a trusted resource for selecting, planting and caring for trees and shrubs all year round.

Raised-bed style cold frame structures with brick frames and glass lids.

Cold Frames

Cold frames are structures that provide a method for extending the growing season, allowing gardeners to begin production earlier in the spring or continue later into the fall.

soybean pods

Soybean Variety Trial Results

Conventional soybean and soybean variety testing results for different locations across South Dakota.