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Three light green and brown insects on a blade of wheat.

Continue Scouting Wheat for Aphid Populations

Aphid populations in winter wheat continue to be observed in South Dakota. The major questions now are whether or not aphid populations are at economic threshold and if spraying is really necessary.

A green tractor pulling a red wagon next to a pile of wet distillers grains.

Storing Wet and Modified Distillers Grains

One of the primary challenges for livestock producers in the coming months could very well be feedstuff cost and availability due to the fact that the corn planted acreage and crop progress are both well behind normal benchmarks. One opportunity that might help cattle feeders proactively secure feed supplies would be storing wet or modified distiller’s grains now to be fed at a later date.

A thick patch of yellow, flowering leafy spurge plants growing in a pasture.

Spot Treatment Options for State Noxious Plants

When controlling grassland weeds, the mindset of row crop weed control may be put into practice too often. In most cases, broadcast control of weeds in grasslands is rarely necessary. Most often, spot treatment can be used more effectively to manage the noxious and invading weeds.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Found in South Dakota

Although we have yet to capture any adult soybean gall midges, the reports and observations of soybean gall midge larvae in soybean are pouring in this week. In Clay and Union counties, infested soybeans are now showing signs, with plants beginning to wilt and die in some cases.

A green soybean plant with purple and white flowers begining to develop.

Current Weather Conditions Are Conducive White Mold Development in Soybeans

Frequent rains and overcast conditions continue to occur in South Dakota’s main soybean growing counties. These conditions favor white mold development. In some of these counties, soybean is already at R1, which is also the best timing for fungicide application targeting white mold control.

Three common soybean defoliating pests. From left: Green cloverworm, grasshopper nymphs, and thistle caterpillar.

Monitor Soybean for Defoliating Insects

While scouting soybean this week I noticed quite a few defoliating insects that were present in the field. So far, the feeding injury is minimal, but it is a reminder that we need to be diligent in monitoring leaves for defoliation and fields for these insect pests.

Cattle graze corn residue near a farmyard in late fall.

Grazing Corn Residue: An A-maize-ing Opportunity

Corn residue is an economical feed source for cattle over the winter months and can provide an extra source of income for crop producers without detrimental effects to the land.

Rows of net-wrapped round hay bales.

Best Management Practices for Reducing Dry Hay Storage Loss

When hay prices are high, proper storage is financially important. Learn some best management practices to reduce storage loss and ensure an adequate forage supply.

Grazing exclosure constructed in a rangeland area.

End-of-Season Monitoring

The end of the grazing season is a great time to monitor your pasture/rangeland resources. Learn about some strategies and tools available to help assess where you stand at the end of the season.

Rows of green alfalfa are pictured on a summer day

Northern Plains Forage Association hosting annual meeting in December

November 03, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend The Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting and educational seminars on Dec. 1 in Brandon, South Dakota.