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A shlterbelt near a grassland with several volunteer trees growing in it.

Removing Mature Shelterbelts From Grasslands

Under what circumstances would removal of mature shelterbelts be warranted? This is a common question often asked in wildlife and conservation circles.

Left: Bird cherry oat aphids. Right: English grain aphids.

Aphid Populations Are Starting to Show up in Corn

Small populations of aphids are starting to show up in corn fields, which could be problematic if the populations continue to grow. During dry seasons, they can have a greater impact on corn.

Green leaf with two yellow spider mites with dark spots.

Dry Conditions Are Ideal for Spider Mite Activity

Several counties in South Dakota are experiencing dryer than normal conditions, therefore, it is important to monitor crops for spider mites, as they thrive during periods of dry weather.

Three bright red and green apples ready for harvest

It's Apple Harvesting Time!

Do you know how to tell when an apple is ready to pick? Color change can be deceiving, since some apples turn red before they are fully ripe.

A pasture containing a mixture of grasses and alfalfa.

Start Scouting for Grasshopper Activity in Crops and Grasslands

Most of Eastern South Dakota is experiencing very low grasshopper populations. However, this is not the case for many areas in Central and Western South Dakota.

Three corn diseases. From left: Southern Rust, Bacterial Leaf Streak, and Eyespot.

Southern Rust, Bacterial Leaf Streak, and Eyespot Are Developing in Corn

Southern rust was found in Yankton County, bacterial leaf streak was found in Brule County, and eyespot was found in several fields and counties the week of July 27, 2020.

Dairy Farm Employees gather around at a formal training meeting on a dairy farm to learn new information. Courtesy: Heidi Carroll

Optimizing Meetings on the Farm

No one wants to have a meeting for the sake of having one. So, when you decide to have a meeting with your employees, keep a few of the following suggestions in mind.

bread and butter pickles in a jar in front of a tray of baked rolls. Courtesy: jeffreyw (CC BY 2.0)

Bread-and-Butter Pickles

Try this research-tested recipe for bread-and-butter pickles courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

Fresh tomatoes near a jar of tomato juice.

Canned Tomatoes in Tomato Juice

Try this research-tested recipe for canned tomatoes packed in tomato juice courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.

several jars of tomatoes canned in water.

Canned Tomatoes in Water

Try this research-tested recipe for canned tomatoes packed in water courtesy of the National Center for Home Food Preservation.