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A collection of empty pesticide and herbicide containers.

Herbicide Group Classification

The intent of providing herbicide group numbers and mode/site-of-action information on labels is to help develop herbicide plans that reduce the selection pressure on herbicide-resistant weeds. Learn how understanding this information can help improve your plans.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 9, 2024

Although May hasn’t been extremely warm, the accumulated degree days in South Dakota since January 1, 2024, suggest that alfalfa weevil larvae could be active in several areas of the state.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 9, 2024

With the cool, wet start to the 2024 season, it is important to consider the possibility that seedcorn maggots could cause issues for crop seedlings

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: May 8, 2024

No scouting is necessary for common stalk borer activity based on current degree days. Across South Dakota, the young common stalk borer caterpillars are active in alternative weed and grass hosts.

Beef cuts being dry aged at a meat locker.

How Much Weight do Beef Carcasses Lose While Aging?

Value in the beef industry is driven by quality and weight. Knowing much weight carcasses could lose during wet or dry aging is important to understanding all aspects of yield.

cattle out on a snowy white day

How Does Cold Stress Affect the Energy Needs of Cattle?

Most beef producers understand that when the weather gets colder their cattle need more energy for maintenance. The questions are when do cattle start experiencing cold stress and then how much more energy do they need? Both the actual temperature and the wind speed interact to determine the effective temperature.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 16, 2024

South Dakota finally warmed up and as a result, alfalfa across the state should be scouted for alfalfa weevil larvae.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 16, 2024

Based on accumulated degree days, areas in southern South Dakota are approaching the peak emergence period for the second generation of seed corn maggots.

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.

Left: Alfalfa weevil larvae. Right: Alfalfa weevil adult.

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae are active across South Dakota. Although they had a somewhat slower start this year, we are now observing all instars of the larvae in alfalfa fields.