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Testing Forages for Nitrates

Free nitrate testing is available at various locations across the state. Nitrate testing strips are used to provide a semi-quantitative value of nitrate levels in forages. It allows producers to make decisions based on the presence or absence of nitrates and appropriate timing for cutting.

West Nile Virus Update: July 2, 2026

On June 15, 2026, the South Dakota Department of Health released a press release that the first West Nile Virus positive pool of mosquitos was detected in Brown County. Although much of the state is still experiencing drought, recent heavy rains will promote already active mosquito populations.

Springtails Are Active in South Dakota

Recent reports of seemingly millions of very small insects moving around on driveways and around homes was the result of a springtail population boom. Springtails typically become a nuisance during drought conditions or saturating rains.

The Impact of Mature Cow Size on Profitability in Cow-Calf Operations

The mature weight of the U.S. cow herd has steadily increased over time. While larger cows are often perceived as more productive, this trend brings several economic challenges.

Large Grasshopper Nymph Populations Detected in Southeast South Dakota

This week we received several reports of large grasshopper populations originating from southeast South Dakota. The populations were well above threshold and actively defoliating crops.

Vaccinating Early-Weaned Beef Calves

In most years, pre-weaning vaccinations are a task completed in early fall. However, in dry years, poor pasture conditions forcing producers to wean calves early may push up that timeline.

Corn

Nearly one out of every three dollars generated by South Dakota agriculture starts in a corn field. Two of every three rows of corn become ethanol.

Soybean

SDSU Extension is your partner to increase yields and improve efficiency.