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Small white maggot next to a brown pill shaped pupa. Both a on soil with a yellow tape measure behind them

Watch for Seedcorn Maggots in Emerging Soybean

Of all of the potential early season pests, the seedcorn maggot is rarely an issue in South Dakota. However, we have started receiving reports of soybean fields that have poor emergence or seedling stand reductions occurring.

A small group of cattle grazing a rolling pasture.

Cow Herd Options

April 2018 and 2019 blizzards caused stress to the region’s cowherds, and for some herds changed the calving distribution. 2020 brings a chance to re-establish a preferred calving distribution.

A black angus calf in standing in a pasture between two cows.

Calving Season Benchmarks

Reproductive performance of an operation is important to the overall success and bottom line of that operation. Benchmarking may be beneficial as it can help focus limited management time on critical areas of an individual’s beef cow business.

Large fans helping to keep Dairy Cattle cool in a livestock housing facility.

Combating Heat Stress in Lactating Dairy Cows

With summer temperatures and higher humidity levels upon us, dairy producers need enact their heat abatement strategies on farm for all livestock.

A group of cattle grazing in a sprawling rangeland.

Rancher’s Perspective on Challenging Heifers

This article will share a rancher’s perspective on challenging heifers during the breeding season in Northwestern South Dakota.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Suspends All Sales and Application of Dicamba Product

June 08, 2020

On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three Dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Agency Provides Further Guidance Regarding the Previous Suspension of All Sales and Application of Dicamba Products

June 10, 2020

On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.

a Black and yellow garden spider on its web.

Black and Yellow Garden Spiders

As gardeners harvest the last of their produce, many are noticing the black and yellow garden spider (Argiope aurantia) living among the vegetation. This spider may also be observed in crops, or tall grass or weeds that provide protection for their webs. These spiders (at least the females) stand out because of their bright colors, large size, and distinctive large web. While they are often overlooked, the garden spider is common throughout the United States.

Black angus cattle feeding in a feedlot.

Sign Up Available for Virtual Feedlot Short Course, July 16

August 10, 2020

SDSU Extension will be hosting a seven-week virtual Feedlot Short Course beginning on July 16. The program is scheduled to run each Thursday from July 16 through August 27, at 12:30 p.m. CDT.

Large mass of small green insects and plant debris present on green implement.

Watch for Pea Aphid Populations in Alfalfa

Recent reports have indicated that pea aphid populations are very large in some alfalfa fields and should continue to be monitored and possibly managed.