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Sunflower moth, banded sunflower moth, and sunflower maggot adult.

Sunflower Pest Recap

During 2026, we will be producing a new weekly update on sunflower insect pest activity. This information will be attained via a sampling network of eight locations that are in central South Dakota.

Glass of water sitting on a hardwood table.

Hot days are packed with fun activities like going to the park, playing games in the backyard, and attending outdoor events. While getting outside and staying active is great for your health, it’s easy to overlook one important habit: staying hydrated.

Producer inspecting a hay bale at the Cottonwood Research Station.

Developing Replacement Heifers During Drought Conditions and High Hay Prices

High-priced hay does not necessarily mean replacement heifers cannot be developed cost-effectively. Alternative feed resources and strategic feeding programs can help producers meet growth targets while stretching limited forage supplies.

Two coneflowers with distorted heads due to Aster yellows phytoplasma.

Aster Yellows - Plant Pest on the Plains: How you can get involved in this important research

Aster yellows phytoplasma, best known as Aster Yellows disease or Onion Yellows disease, is commonly observed in purple coneflowers across the Great Plains. SDSU Extension is monitoring and modeling its distribution in the region, and you can help!

a cream colored moth with a brown band around the middle of the body on a green leaf

Banded Sunflower Moth

Factsheet on the identification, lifecycle, scouting and economic impact of the Banded Sunflower Moth.

Dried creek bed running through summer pasture.

Hauling Water to Cows: When water is not everywhere

When drought hits, water failing to fall from the sky is not the only place water is missing. Dugouts, ponds, and creeks also dry up quickly, and the need to haul water may exist to keep cattle grazing.

Small beetle with elongated black snout. Beetle is red-orange in color.

Aug 14

Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Management Webinar

SDSU Extension will host an informational sunflower webinar focusing on red sunflower seed weevil management on August 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Three young men walking through a field alongside a shelter belt.

Redefining Strength: Men’s Mental Health Matters

Changing the way in which we define strength can challenge the stigma around men’s mental health. Creating a culture where mental health conversations are normalized for everyone is key to accomplishing this.

A pen, calculator, and loan application on a table.

Changes to Federal Student Loan Repayment Plans

Beginning July 1, 2026, major changes will take effect for federal student loan repayment options. These changes apply to Direct Loans and PLUS Loans and will vary depending on a borrower’s loan type, whether they consolidate, and whether they take out new loans after July 1, 2026.

Sunflower & Oilseeds

There are times when sunflower producers need unbiased answers. That’s what we are here for.