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A family going for sunset walk down a country road.

Fit on the Farm

Although regular job duties on the farm may include intense physical tasks, aerobic physical activity is still needed in addition to the short burst, physical tasks.

Tick that is dark brown to black in color with a reddish-orange abdomen.

Protecting Yourself From Ticks

During wet springs, tick populations tend to thrive in South Dakota. These parasitic arthropods require blood to fulfill their nutritional needs and commonly use humans as a host. Some ticks can also carry bacterial diseases that are a threat to human health.

Small black fly.

What Are Those Little Flies That Keep Biting Me?

If you have been swarmed and bitten by small black flies this year, you’re not alone. The culprits of these bites are commonly referred to as black flies or buffalo gnats. The reason we are noticing so many in 2019 is likely due to favorable spring conditions that included a lot of moisture.

Tick that is dark brown to black in color with a reddish-orange abdomen.

An identification guide to common Ticks of South Dakota

A guide to identifying common ticks in South Dakota

Field with severely scoured crops due to blowing soil.

Soil Only Blows During Droughts?

What causes soil to blow during periods of adequate moisure? High winds can rapidly dry soil close to the surface. If the winds are high enough, even soil at intermediate water contents can blow.

variety of fresh vegetables in basket

Family Fun With Gardening

Gardening is a fun way to incorporate physical activity into your day, and is a great way to connect kids to where their food comes from!

A man smiles for the camera standing outside in a field of row crops

SDSU Extension welcomes new agronomy field specialist

June 10, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Clarence Winter as a new Agronomy Field Specialist.

Phytophthora root and stem rot damage observed in a field of soybeans.

Watch Out for Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot in Soybean

Current weather conditions of continuous rainfall are saturating our fields, which is creating a favorable environment for Phytophthora root and stem rot.

Green veins are striking compared to the necrotic (brown) tissue on SDS-infected soybean.

Are You at Risk for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean?

The present weather conditions of heavy rainfall and cool temperatures provide a favorable environment for sudden death syndrome in soybeans. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing it this growing season.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2024

In southern South Dakota, enough degree days have accumulated for common stalk borer caterpillars to begin moving from alternative hosts into corn. Fields should be monitored for leaves with signs of defoliation.