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Gray caterpillar with dark markings, white splotches and a white stripe running down the middle of its back.

It’s Time to Scout Alfalfa for Cutworms

One of the earliest insect pests that can be found in South Dakota’s alfalfa fields are army cutworms. Injury from cutworms can sometimes be overlooked until large patches of an alfalfa field have been “cut.”

Farmer standing over insecticide jug in wheatgrass field

A Ban or New Rules for Chlorpyifos May Be Coming Soon

Recently, a federal appeals court gave the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency a 60-day deadline to either ban insecticides containing chlorpyrifos or set new guidelines for its use.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 6, 2021

The cooler temperatures the last few days probably slowed down alfalfa weevils again, but everyone should be scouting fields due to the possibility of alfalfa weevil activity.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 6, 2021

We are beginning to accumulate degree days a little faster for common stalk borers. Eggs will be hatching through much of the state, and we will continue to monitor activity as the season progresses.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 8, 2021

As the temperatures begin to warm up around South Dakota, it is important to remember that some insect pests are accumulating degree days. One of the insect pests that we use degree day models to monitor is the alfalfa weevil.

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

2021 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, and it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Once soybean begin emerging, overwintering adult beetle populations will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on seedlings.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 15, 2021

Due to the cooler temperatures, we didn’t accumulate a lot of degree days for alfalfa weevils during the last week. However, there are some areas in South Dakota where alfalfa weevils may be active.

Dirt patch in the center of a pasture caused by white grub feeding

Do You Have True White Grubs in Your Pasture or Rangeland?

Grub damage to pastures and rangeland is often observed in South Dakota. From past observations, some of the heaviest infestations in the state are located near the Missouri River.

Adult twospotted spider mites crawling on webbing that is attached to a leaf.

Dry Conditions Could Lead to Early Twospotted Spider Mite Infestations

Although it isn’t an insect, the twospotted spider mite is an occasional pest of crops in South Dakota, and its populations can rapidly increase during dry conditions.

Tim Schreiner at his food preservation booth at the Vermillion Area Farmers Market.

Schreiner Turns Backyard Hobby Into Community Support

Whether volunteering as a Master Gardener or a Master Food Preserver, Tim Schreiner says the interaction with people and seeing that “light bulb” moment after a conversation is really the fun part of the programs.