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Wheat heads with extreme white-yellow bleaching.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in S.D. Wheat

While scouting wheat fields throughout South Dakota, we have started noticing the presence of bleached heads scattered throughout many different fields. These discolored heads are the result of an infestation of the wheat stem maggot.

Group of mixed cattle in a hot, dusty feedlot.

SDSU Extension Encourages Producers to Prepare for Extreme Heat Temperatures

August 02, 2022

SDSU Extension provides resources to help livestock producers prepare for extreme temperatures. With temperatures expected to rise into the upper 90s over the next week, it is important for producers to prepare and have proper mitigation strategies in place.

Graduation cap and tassel. Text reading “Scholarship.”

South Dakota 4-H Announces 2022 Shooting Sports Scholarship Recipients

August 03, 2022

The South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports Committee awarded six scholarships to youth in the South Dakota 4-H Shooting Sports program.

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.

Three soybean diseases. Brown spot, Phytophthora Root Rot, and white mold.

Mid-to-Late Soybean Disease Management

Even though it has been hot and humid this summer, some soybeans around the state have seen ideal conditions for mid-to-late season disease development. Learn some common diseases to scout for.

Gray beetle with long antennae that are alternating white and black pattern on green leaf petiole.

Another Year of Dectes Stem Borer Issues in Sunflower?

Based on the current drought conditions in our sunflower production areas, it is likely that Dectes stem borer will cause issues earlier than normal in the areas experiencing drought.

Time to Spray Sunflowers: Don’t Forget About the Pollinators

As sunflowers in South Dakota begin to reach the flowering stages, it is important to remember that, in addition to insect pests, there are also pollinators visiting these flowers.

A field of emerging winter wheat in early spring.

Winter Wheat Breaking Dormancy Early

A threshold indicator for winter wheat emergence is to consider average temperatures over a 14-day period. When that 14-day average temperature is equal to or above 5°C, or 41°F, then hard red winter wheat can break dormancy.

Red-brown colored weevil with bent antennae originating on the elongated mouthparts.

Red Sunflower Seed Weevil Populations Are Active in South Dakota

Red sunflower seed weevils are active in South Dakota sunflowers. Scouting should begin for fields that are going to be reaching the R5 stage within the next week.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Management Before Planting

Wheat streak mosaic virus is one of the important diseases in winter wheat and can lead to severe yield losses. Learn how it can be effectively mitigated by using proactive management in your fields.