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A man with a microphone speaks to a small group of people standing in a field under a blue tent.

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm hosts Field Day on June 29

June 16, 2023

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF) will host its annual field day on June 29, 2023. The field day will begin at 3:00 PM (CST) and run until dark.

Patch of phlox with white, speckles throughout the leaves due to spider mite feeding.

Spider Mites on Garden Phlox

During warm, dry weather, spider mites are a common pest of phlox, causing speckling, bronzing, and yellowing on leaves due to feeding behavior. Learn how to identify and manage infestations before they impact your garden.

Dark green and tan curled caterpillars with an orange stripe along their sides.

True Armyworm Caterpillars Found in South Dakota

Although true armyworms can feed on numerous crops, they are primarily an issue for corn and wheat. True armyworm caterpillars feed on leaves and can cause severe defoliation when large populations are present.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa leaf.

Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

A common pest of alfalfa, blister beetles pose serious health risks to livestock if their bodies are consumed along with alfalfa bales. Learn some important considerations for identifying and managing blister beetles before harvesting alfalfa this growing season.

Greenish brown bugs on a white sweep net cloth.

Alfalfa Plant Bugs Showing Up in Abundance

Several insect pests have been showing up early in alfalfa this season, including the alfalfa plant bug. Learn how to identify, scout, and manage this pest before it impacts your alfalfa yields.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Large Grasshopper Populations Detected in South Dakota

Very large populations of grasshoppers have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although these grasshoppers aren’t causing serious defoliation in crops yet, there is the possibility that they will as the season progresses.

Young wheat plants showing early symptoms of drought stress.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Small Grains

South Dakota producers often must consider whether to abandon plans to harvest small grain as a cash crop and pivot to harvesting as forage. Learn some factors to keep in mind when evaluating salvage options.

Squash planted in several carefully spaced holes in strip of landscape fabric.

How to Prepare Landscape Fabric for In-row Weed Control for Flower and Vegetable Production

Farmers and gardeners have taken an interest in landscape fabric due to its durability, weed suppression and reusability. Learn some tips for preparing it and installing it for a variety of plants this growing season!

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on young soybean plants.

Time to Start Scouting for Bean Leaf Beetles

With soybean emergence underway, the next concern is early-season bean leaf beetle defoliation. Learn some expert tips for scouting and managing them before they impact yields.

Tractor with sprayer applying postemergence herbicide to soybeans.

Considerations for Postemergence Herbicides

Postemergence herbicide applications can protect your crop yields by limiting in-season weed competition. Learn everything you need to know before firing up your sprayer.