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Group of mixed cattle grazing drought-stressed pasture.

SDSU Extension Provides Drought Management Resources

June 08, 2022

The U.S. Drought Monitor continues to classify parts of South Dakota in some level of drought. SDSU Extension has a variety of tools and resources to assist producers with drought decision making.

The Butte-Lawrence-Jackson 4-H Range team.

South Dakota Teams Perform Well at National Land, Range & Homesite Judging Contest

June 08, 2022

After two years of cancellations, a record attendance of more than 1,000 FFA and 4-H members competed in the National Land, Range, and Homesite Judging contest according to the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, the contest’s main sponsor.

Multiple views of a green lacewing adult. The adult has a bright green body and large metallic eyes. The wings are translucent with green venation.

Green Lacewings: Beneficial Predators for Both Small and Large-Scale Landscapes

Many insect species are beneficial to landscapes, and some are even reared in large quantities to be released as biological control agents. In this article, we will focus on one of those insects, the green lacewing.

A black and yellow striped fly with large red eyes resting on a flower. The fly is covered in yellow pollen.

It’s a Bee! It’s a Wasp! No, It’s a Hover Fly!

Many types of insects are responsible for some degree of pollination in landscapes. In this article, we will focus on the syrphid fly as both an important pollinator and a beneficial insect predator.

Bean leaf beetle feeding damage on young soybean plants.

Bean Leaf Beetles Active in South Dakota

Soybeans in South Dakota are being targeted by the overwintering population of bean leaf beetles. See our latest activity report from around the state, along with scouting and management recommendations.

Dark colored caterpillar with two distinct black lines on head capsule.

Dingy Cutworms Observed in South Dakota Crops

Dingy cutworms have been reported in South Dakota crops, and their activity is likely to continue for at least another couple of weeks.

Sunish Sehgal combining a field of wheat

Growth Stages of Wheat

Management decisions in wheat production are almost always based on growth stages of the crop. So it is important for wheat producers to be familiar with these growth stages.

Two, dark green aphids on a bright green leaf.

Low-Level Aphid Populations Present in Wheat

We are starting to receive reports of aphid populations in wheat fields throughout much of South Dakota. At this point in the season, weekly scouting is the best bet to monitor the populations.

Wheat field that is turning yellow due to mite infestation.

Brown Wheat Mites Active in South Dakota Wheat

There have been reports of brown wheat mites active in wheat in central and western South Dakota. To date, reports have been for minor infestations, but severe infestations are possible.

Brown to orange worm like insect larvae on brown soil.

Wireworms Causing Problems in South Dakota Sunflowers

Some sunflowers in South Dakota are currently being attacked by wireworms. Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles, which are easily observed throughout the summer.