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Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota

Army cutworms can rapidly reduce winter wheat stands if large populations are present. See our latest management recommendations based on observations from around the state.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Alfalfa weevil larvae and adult.

It’s Time To Start Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils in South Dakota

With increasing temperatures, the degree days for alfalfa weevils have steadily increased. The best way to avoid serious alfalfa weevil defoliation is to scout and detect populations early.

Wheat field with poor stand emergence.

Assessing Winter Wheat Stands

After long, tough winters, producers often have concerns about winter wheat stands. Learn some tips for assessing plant stands and deciding what to do with your wheat plantings this spring.

Never too Early to Consider Next Year’s Winter Feeding Strategies

As the spring and summer seasons progress, decision will need to be made in regards to planting and harvest of annual forages and hay for winter feed.

A prescribed burning taking place in a field.

SDSU Extension receives $1 million contribution agreement from NRCS to protect grasslands from invasive trees

June 15, 2023

Trees are taking over the grasslands in the Northern Plains. To meet that threat, SDSU Extension recently received a $1 million contribution agreement from the Natural Resources Conservation Service to combat the spread.

Tom Hausmann gives a briefing before the burn, while Greg Schmitz listens with the rest of the burn crew.

Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association: A landowner-led effort along the Missouri River

June 12, 2023

Started in 2016, the Mid-Missouri River Prescribed Burn Association is a landowner-led effort to combat the spread of trees along the Missouri River corridor in Gregory, Charles Mix, Brule and Lyman counties.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 15, 2023

During the last week, the entire state reached enough degree days to have active alfalfa larvae. In areas with the highest accumulation of degree days, alfalfa should be scouted to ensure that alfalfa weevils don’t cause extensive defoliation.

Derecho storm approaching the SDSU campus in Brookings.

Remembering the May 12, 2022 Derecho

Roughly one year later, the catastrophic damage of the May 2022 derecho will not soon be forgotten. Take a look back at the storm's impact and gain some perspective on the environmental conditions that led up to it.

Tulips blooming near the entrance to McCrory Gardens.

McCrory Gardens Trial Report

Trial reports for McCrory Gardens