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A green combine that has caught fire in the field.

Avoiding Field Fires During Fall Harvest

With dry and drought conditions in the late summer and fall, crops dry down rapidly and harvest starts early. The climate outlook may be favorable for an uninterrupted run at harvest. However, the risk of fires during harvest is always a concern for farmers.

Rancher surveying pasture in an offroad vehicle.

Use Caution When Fall Spraying Noxious Weeds in Pastures To Avoid Harming Desirable Plants

Noxious weed control is often a long-term process. In some cases, chemical application may be deemed necessary, but it should always be considered in the context of appropriate management and an integrated best management framework.

Three young farmers walking through a harvested field at sunset.

It’s Okay to Not Be Okay: Farm Stress Assistance in South Dakota

If you are experiencing farm stress or want to help others who are experiencing farm stress, organizations have expanded efforts across South Dakota. Learn about some available resources for seeking assistance.

Aronia berries arranged on a kitchen countertop.

Make Aronia Berries a Part of Your Healthy Diet

Aronia berries, or chokeberries, contain lots of antioxidants, which are important, because they help reduce or prevent cell damage. They are also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, zinc, potassium and more.

Tiny orange insects feeding on a green leaf

Watch Out For Houseplant Pests

Aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies and scale may be the most common insect pests that you will find on your houseplants but there are several other pests and problems you should watch out for.

Mother and young daughter wearing masks in an outdoor park.

Helping Kids Deal With Change

As we are all going through these times of change and uncertainty, remember to talk to your child or children in your care and don’t just avoid the behaviors.

small black sap beetles on sweet corn

What’s Bugging Your Garden: Picnic Beetles

One of the most common garden insect questions I get asked is “what are those little black, spotted beetles that are in my sweet corn, tomatoes, raspberries and perhaps worst of all, in your beer! These little nuisances are called picnic or sap beetles. They are attracted to ripe or damaged fruit and vegetables.

Green cover crop growing within yellow wheat stubble.

Cover Crop Considerations When Dealing With Soybean Cyst Nematode

With the soybeans being harvested a little earlier than usual this year, some producers are finding themselves making management decisions that include cover crops. For soybean producers dealing with soybean cyst nematode in their fields, selection of cover crops is important since some of these can be hosts for soybean cyst nematode.

Harvested corn field with field pennycress throughout.

Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Plans Should Include Proactive Weed Management

While soybean cyst nematode can be managed through use of resistant varieties and crop rotation, presence of alternative weed hosts can negate the benefits of these practices by providing a host for soybean cyst nematode to continue to accumulate in the soil.

Poinsettia relatives: Euphorbia horrida, crown of thorns, and Euphorbia polychrome.

The Poinsettia and Its Relatives: Exploring Unique Euphorbia Species

Euphorbias are versatile plants, with species suitable for both indoor and outdoor environments. Whether used as decorative houseplants, or as garden perennials, these plants offer a unique aesthetic, and require minimal care.