Search

Collection of insects in a canvas sweep net.

Pea Aphid Alert: Forecasted temperatures could result in rapid population increases

The temperatures during the last week and the forecasted temperatures for next week will potentially encourage rapid pea aphid population growth. Although many fields have been cut recently, pea aphids can still readily recolonize alfalfa.

Conservation, Grazing, and Forage Situation

This report summarizes recent trends in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), harvested hay acreage, and grazing capacity in the United States and South Dakota. The purpose is to give a current picture of conservation enrollment and forage supply.

Three smart phones showing the Prices, Trades, and Crops tools in the Grain Report app.

Grain Report Mobile App

The Grain Report mobile app delivers comprehensive grain market data and analytics for corn, soybean, and wheat producers, traders, and analysts.

Green leaf infested by small insects that are brown and black.

Early Season Soybean Infested by False Chinch Bug

At the end of last week, we received several reports of false chinch bugs attacking seedling to early vegetative stage soybean in South Dakota. In these cases very large populations were present on seedling soybeans as well as the ground around them.

Green wheat with small mites present near the tips of the leaves.

Drought Stress in Wheat Leads to Increased Banks Grass Mite Activity

There have been reports of large populations of Banks grass mites in South Dakota wheat fields. Banks grass mite populations are more successful during hot, dry weather that also increases the susceptibility of wheat due to it being drought stressed.

Soybean plants cut by cutworm caterpillars

Keep an Eye Out for Cut Soybean Plants: A Sign of Dingy Cutworm Presence

Dingy cutworms have been observed in South Dakota no-till soybean fields. Their activity will likely continue for at least another couple of weeks.

Base of soybean stem with orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Active in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge larvae are active in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. The first symptoms of an infestation during this part of the season vary based on the size of the population within the plant.

2026 Rangeland and Soil Days Contest brings 115 youth to Belle Fourche

June 30, 2026

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce that 115 youth participated in the 42nd annual Rangeland and 21st annual Soil Days contests on June 9-10, 2026, in Belle Fourche.

Small shiny fly larvae with black heads on a brown plant root.

Fungus Gnats Affecting Soybean Emergence

We have recently received a report of a maggot attacking soybean seedlings. During most years, we would immediately expect this to be a case of seedcorn maggots, but it was fungus gnat larvae.

Circular holes in a green corn leaf. The holes are in a straight line.

European Corn Borer Caterpillars Are Active: Scout your conventional corn

European corn borer caterpillars have been observed in conventional corn at several locations. Indicators for presence of are a line of straight holes in the upper leaves that is often referred to as shot-hole injury.