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COVID-19 and Home Water Use
There have been questions regarding spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 through drinking water.
2019 Wheat Field Plot Trials Summary: Fungal and Bacterial Disease Trials
This publication provides a summary of wheat trials conducted in 2019 to determine efficacy of various products in managing wheat diseases.
Recognizing Symptoms of Stress During Farming Challenges
Fact sheet to help recognize symptoms of stress during a farming challenge.
Creating a Sensory Garden
A sensory garden is a garden that has a collection of plants that are appealing to one or more of the five senses; sight, smell, sound, taste, and touch. Sensory gardens should be accessible for all people to enjoy - disabled and non-disabled. Sensory gardens are typically geared towards young children, but are enjoyed by people of all ages.
2020 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality
Although bean leaf beetles won’t be emerging for a while yet, it is important to be prepared for potential early season defoliation. Once soybean are planted and begin emerging, the overwintering population of bean leaf beetle adults will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on the seedlings.
Black Grass Bug Activity Expected in Coming Weeks
Spring green-up is the time to be watching for black grass bug activity. Large populations of this early-season pest can cause severe damage to pasture (up to 90% forage reduction) and infest the edges of wheat fields.
Crop Residue, Cover Crops Impact on Soil Health Parameters
Interest in no-till and cover crops has been on the rise among South Dakota crop producers. In 2019, half of South Dakota crop ground was under no-till management and about 900,000 acres were planted to cover crops.
Soil Temperature for Planting Spring Crops
Soil temperature is an important consideration for deciding when to begin planting spring crops. If producers in South Dakota would like a quick reference for soil temperatures in their area, the SD Mesonet network measures soil temperature at several weather stations throughout the state.
Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat
If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.
Garden Food Safety
Every so often we hear about people getting sick from eating raw produce that got contaminated somewhere on its path from the field to the consumer. Commercial growers are taking great care to keep your food safe, and there are new national rules to guide them. Following are some tips for home gardeners to help keep their fruits and vegetables safe.