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Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 16, 2024

Common stalk borer caterpillars are still active in grass and weeds along field edges. Based on recent degree day data throughout the state, no scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity in fields yet.

Top: Field pennycress leaves and seeds. Bottom: Shepherd’s purse leaves and seeds.

Early Season Prevalence of Field Pennycress and Shepherd’s Purse

Many fields that are planted to winter wheat or have yet to be tilled may have a healthy infestation of field pennycress or shepherd’s purse. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing these weeds before they become a problem this growing season.

Green corn leaf with ragged holes through-out caused by common stalk borer feeding.

Common Stalk Borers and Why They Matter in Early Season Corn

Based on current degree day accumulations, the common stalk borer caterpillars are developing within weeds and grass hosts. Once the caterpillars outgrow these hosts they will begin moving into corn fields.

Two young males sorting and identifying aquatic invertebrates on a yellow tarp.

Aquatic Invertebrate Sampling: Teaching an old dog old tricks

Sampling aquatic macroinvertebrates is an important aspect of assessing surface water quality. Their presence, absence, and abundance give us an indication of the condition of the waterbody.

Artificial Insemination school attendee working with a liquid nitrogen filled semen tank.

Improve cattle AI skills with SDSU Extension refresher course

May 22, 2024

Cattle producers looking to refresh their artificial insemination skills are welcome to join the South Dakota State University Extension AI School Refresher Course on June 8, 2024.

Merino sheep eating from a small feeding trough.

Mineral Considerations for Sheep

Minerals play an integral role in many reactions throughout a sheep's body, and they are critical for animal health, performance, and the profitability of an operation.

Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 24, 2024

Throughout South Dakota, common stalk borer caterpillars are still active in alternative weed and grass hosts.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 24, 2024

Parts of South Dakota are currently at, slightly below, or over the 1,080 degree days for the peak second generation emergence of seedcorn maggots.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 24, 2024

Degree day accumulations continue to estimate alfalfa weevil activity throughout South Dakota. Alfalfa weevil activity is likely greater in southern counties, but alfalfa should continue to be scouted statewide.

Various weeds emerging from a research plot in some rows, while other rows are weed-free.

Weeds Are Starting to Emerge: Even After a Preemergence Herbicide Application

During recent scouting, weeds were noticed in plots treated with preemergence herbicides. Learn some troubleshooting considerations to help determine why some weeds emerge following preemergence treatments.