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Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

It’s Time to Scout for Soybean Aphids

Small populations of soybean aphids were observed this week while scouting. Early scouting will ensure that populations do not rapidly increase and exceed the recommended economic threshold.

Farmer signing a lease on the tailgate of a pickup.

Oral Lease Agreements Automatically Renew on September 1, 2024

September 1 is the automatic renewal date for all oral land lease agreements in South Dakota. If landowners or renters wish to make changes to the components of the lease, written notice must be given by the September 1 deadline.

Fence line along a storm-damaged pasture in Butte County, South Dakota.

Pasture Recovery After Hail

When hail hits pastures, it essentially strips the leaves and breaks the stems of plants. When this occurs, it is essential to allow plants and grasses time to fully recover before grazing or haying again.

Plant starts on a table with hand tools.

Ergonomic Tools in the Garden

Children, older adults, and anyone with arthritis or other physical disabilities can benefit from ergonomic gardening tools, which are lightweight, easy-to-hold, and comfortable to grip!

A wheat stem sawfly with long antennae, smoky wings, and black and yellow coloration.

Wheat Stem Sawfly Adults Observed in South Dakota

During the 2024 wheat stem sawfly survey, wheat stem sawfly adults were captured in northwestern South Dakota. Observation is used to determine areas where solid stem wheat varieties should be considered.

Green alfalfa leaves turning yellow because of potato leafhopper feeding.

Potato Leafhoppers Becoming Prevalent

Potato leafhoppers are a migratory pest that impact South Dakota alfalfa each year. At this point in the growing season, they have become established and are now causing widespread issues.

A series of combines harvesting a sprawling field in early fall.

An Update on Agricultural Carbon Markets

Agricultural carbon credits have recently re-emerged as a topic of discussion, and this time in a different policy and demand environment compared to the early 2000s.

Clover pathways after being mowed with sunsetting in the background.

Broccolini Performance in Three Established Clover Living Mulches in Eastern South Dakota

Research report determining the impact of three established clover species on weed suppression, crop growth, and broccolini yield.

Left: Black soil tarp on a research plot. Right: The same research plot uncovered, revealing little-to-no weed pressure.

Early Season Soil Tarping Impacts on Weed Pressure and Onion Yield

Research report on whether soil tarping can reduce weed pressure in onion yields

Young farmer at a table using smart device to review data and plan a customized seed application.

Adoption of Precision Agriculture Practices in South Dakota

Findings from the 2022 Agriculture Census along with a recent regional survey revealed insights into precision agriculture adoption throughout South Dakota, including which technologies are being most widely being adopted.