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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 9, 2022

In some areas of South Dakota, we have reached enough degree days that common stalk borer caterpillars will begin moving into corn from weedy hosts along the edges of fields.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 9, 2022

Alfalfa weevil larvae and some adults have been observed in alfalfa throughout the state this week, and fields should be scouted to ensure that populations don’t cause extensive defoliation.

A tall grassy warm season cover crop blend grown in South Dakota.

Using Annual Cover Crops and Forages in Lieu of Row Crops

Although there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to mitigate challenging planting seasons.

Oat leaves covered in orange pustules.

Crown Rust of Oats

Crown rust continues to be the most economically damaging and important fungal diseases of oats in South Dakota. Learn how to recognize and manage it in oat fields this growing season.

Blades of green wheat in a wheat field.

Scouting Wheat Fields

Scouting is the process of monitoring fields and crops during a growing season. It can provide producers with field specific information on pest pressure and crop injury.

Moth with green metallic wings and an orange body resting on a green leaf.

Squash Vine Borer Activity Estimates: June 10, 2022

Although gardening is well underway in South Dakota, squash vine borers should not be an issue for at least another week. See our latest activity estimates based on conditions around the state.

A fly with a metallic body, long legs, and clear wings with smoky markings.

Flying Gems: Long-Legged Flies

Whether scouting for pests in crops or in a garden, chances are you’ve encountered a long-legged fly. These insects provide essential biocontrol of many insect pests and should be encouraged in the landscape.

wheat field

Looking Back: A History of Wheat Production in SD

In spite of the open winter and some of the worst drought conditions in history, South Dakota ended up with a very good wheat crop in terms of yield and quality in 2012. The winter wheat yields averaged 50 bushels to the acre; second highest average yield in SD recorded history.

Group of youth riding bikes through a bike handling station.

Grant County 4-H Members Gather for Bike Rodeo and Safety Day

June 22, 2022

Over 70 youth gathered on May 20 for the 2022 4-H Bike Rodeo at the Grant County 4-H Grounds for a morning of bike safety activities.

Numerous small holes on a green tomato leaf.

What’s Causing the Tiny Holes on My Tomato Leaves?

Flea beetles are once again causing issues for gardeners across South Dakota. These herbivorous beetles can be a pest of many different garden plants, including tomatoes, peppers, beans, squash and lettuce.