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Meadow, lygus, and alfalfa plant bug adults.

Plant Bugs Active in Alfalfa

Plant bugs are active in alfalfa fields across the state. A common question we receive from producers is why some of these bugs look so different from others.

a metal structure with white tarps wrapped over it, resembling a hoop shape

SDSU Extension to feature Beadle Conservation District at High Tunnel Field Day

September 13, 2023

Perfect for farmers, technical service providers, gardeners and anyone curious about high tunnels, the field day is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. CDT on Sept. 21, 2023, at the Beadle Conservation District site, 1174 Lincoln Ave. SW, Huron, South Dakota. It is free to attend.

Fresh potatoes, carrots and canned vegetables in the cellar.

Storage Life of Vegetables

The storage life of various types of vegetables can be extended by several days or even months by keeping them at recommended temperature and humidity levels.

Green leaves on a buckthorn tree covered with crusty spots of bright orange crown rust inoculum.

Oats Crown Rust Inoculum Abundant This Year

Crown rust is the most important fungal disease of oats in South Dakota. In years with heavy disease pressure, susceptible cultivars can have over 80% yield loss due to crown rust. The presence of crown rust inoculum on buckthorns can be an indication of the likely risk for crown rust to develop during the growing season. Buckthorns scouted recently were loaded with crown rust inoculum.

Three types of plant bugs. From left: Meadow plant bug, Lygus bug, and alfalfa plant bug.

Plant Bugs Showing Up in Alfalfa Fields

Plant bugs are now becoming active in alfalfa fields across the state. A common question we receive is why some of these bugs looks so different from others. There are actually three different types of plant bugs that commonly appear in alfalfa fields: meadow plant bugs, Lygus bugs (aka tarnished plant bugs), and alfalfa plant bugs.

Green wheat leaves with yellow streaks throughout.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Complex: Breaking the Green Bridge

As wheat harvest proceeds, it won’t be long until winter wheat planting is underway in South Dakota. To effectively reduce wheat streak mosaic virus, it is important to manage the green bridge effect to slow spread of disease in newly emerging wheat fields.

group of people gathered around a tapped silver maple tree

Harvesting Maple Syrup in South Dakota

As the weather warms in late winter and early spring sap in maple trees begins to flow. For many people that live in the Northeastern part of the United States, that means that maple syrup season has arrived.

A wheelbarrow full of harvested eggplants.

Eggplant: How to Grow It

Eggplant has culinary versatility, beautiful flowers and colors, and abundant yields. Learn some expert tips for planting, growing, and harvesting it in this resource!

A female producer looking over paperwork in a farm office near a computer station.

Social Distancing for Livestock Producers

Living in rural South Dakota, we have an advantage of social distancing ourselves from others. However, there are normal activities we are used to doing that will need to be adjusted for everyone’s safety this year. As you plan your spring livestock work, here are some things to keep in mind and practice for your own safety and the safety of your community members.

Attendees viewing a presentation at the I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course.

I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is March 25

March 10, 2025

The 2025 I-29 Moo University Dairy Beef Short Course is from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. CDT on March 25 at the Denny Sanford Premier Center.