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Small shiny black beetle with two light tan stripes on elytra.

Alfalfa Should Be Scouted for Presence of the Palestriped Flea Beetle

Palestriped flea beetles have recently been observed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota. Large populations of palestriped flea beetles can cause rapid defoliation and stunt seedling alfalfa.

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Bean Leaf Beetles, a Vector of Bean Pod Mottle Virus, May Be Active in Soybean

Although we are predicting low overwintering survival of bean leaf beetles this year in South Dakota, scouting for this pest should still be conducted, as every year we still observe populations in soybean.

a girl giving a public presentation infront of a women judge

4-H Communications Project

View the Communications Project Guidelines and scoresheets.

A group of Custer County Master Gardener volunteers gathered for a group photo.

Master Gardener Gold Star Award

Master Gardener Gold Star Award evaluation criteria and nomination form.

Gardener re-potting several seedlings that were started indoors over winter.

SDSU Extension Master Gardener Advisory Council

The Master Gardener Advisory Council supports the work of Master Gardener Volunteers across the state.

Group photo of the 2025 South Dakota 4-H National Shooting Sports Team.

SDSU Extension 4-H youth win 1st place at 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships

June 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension 4-H youth who competed at the 4-H Shooting Sports National Championships this year once again scored exceptionally well, including a first-place finish by Caden Chelmo of Brule County and the air pistol team.

Two children work in a garden bed while off to the right a women speaks to a small group of children

Gardening 101 Quick Links

A compilation of different SDSU Extension gardening resources to help you get started.

Closeup of a set M-44 device.

Private Applicator Endorsements for M-44 Devices, Fumigants, and Aerial Applications

Recent changes to South Dakota private applicator pesticide regulations have impacted the requirements to use M-44 predator-control devices, fumigants, and to apply pesticides from aerial vehicles.

Instructor leading a proctored exam in an agriculture classroom.

South Dakota Commercial Pesticide Applicator Certification Testing

New commercial pesticide applicators and those that have allowed their licenses to lapse must pass commercial pesticide applicator exams to receive certification. Learn about some some helpful resources, contacts, and tips to help you be successful in your certification testing.

: Two photos with various plants that are brown, yellow, and/or green. A blue pen is in the foreground of each photo for size reference.

Clock tells the time of the day, not when the job is done. Is that true for weed management?

Common banter at the farm gate implies farmers work long days to get the job finished. However, weed management may improve if spraying stops at a particular time of day.