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Be On the Lookout for Ticks
Ticks are one of the first pests to show up during spring. Learn some common ticks to watch out for in South Dakota, along with tips for preventing bites and removing ticks from your skin and clothing.
Drought Conditions Magnifying Impact of Black Grass Bugs
With much of South Dakota continuing to experience moderate-to-extreme drought conditions, black grass bugs could become a concern in some areas. Large populations of black grass bugs can cause severe damage to pasture.
Monitor Wheat for Early-Season Cutworm Activity
It's finally warming up in South Dakota, and insect activity in wheat fields will be increasing. For wheat, a couple of early-season pests that may already be active are the army cutworm and the pale western cutworm.
Check Your Bins This Spring
As it warms up this spring, don’t forget to check the bins. Grain bins work as solar heat collectors, and the grain inside of them may be much warmer than expected.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
April 2021 Climate Update
As we look at March in the rear-view mirror, we look ahead to April and the potential for rain to return to South Dakota to reduce drought concerns across the state.
Gardening Tips During a Drought
Drought conditions present challenges for gardeners, but it's still possible to grow things by modifying gardening techniques to keep established plants growing and provide a good environment for new plants.