Plants or Crops

All Plants or Crops Content

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota

Army cutworms can rapidly reduce winter wheat stands if large populations are present. See our latest management recommendations based on observations from around the state.

Aerial photo of a field revealing crop productivity within a specified management zone.

Knowing the Soil Types in Your Fields Can Increase Weed Control

As soil temperatures increase, many farmers are beginning to plant crops and start preemergent weed control. Learn the important role that soil type can play in getting the most out of preemergence herbicide applications.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 4, 2023

With warmer temperatures during the last week, there was an increase in the accumulation of degree days for alfalfa weevils. See our latest observations from around the state.

Male and female rancher reviewing clipboard in a cattle barn.

COVID-19 Tips for Farms and Ranches

Continuing to keep employees and family members healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic will require extra effort as you enter the busy time of fall harvest.

A producer meeting with an employee in a farmyard.

Leading Through COVID-19 on the Farm and Ranch

Producers can be quick to adapt and utilize technology, but sometimes need a little nudge in other areas. COVID-19 sometimes feels like one of the areas that agriculture needs a nudge in.

Adult female emerald ash borer

Emerald Ash Borer Life Cycle in South Dakota

This fact sheet is a general description of the emerald ash borer life cycle in South Dakota.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2023

As temperatures warm up, degree days will accumulate more rapidly, and alfalfa weevils could quickly become an issue. See our latest observations from around the state.

A yellow beetle with a black head, and square black markings on its back standing on a soybean leaf.

South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2022-2023

With bean leaf beetle emergence rapidly approaching, it’s important to start thinking about early-season management of the overwintering population. View our latest recommendations based on observations from winter 2022-2023.

Patch of broadleaf weeds growing in a spring lawn.

Considerations for Weed Control in Lawns

A weed-free lawn requires continuous maintenance year-round. From mowing considerations to herbicide applications, learn some expert tips for getting your lawn off to a great start this spring!