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Sunflower & Oilseeds

There are times when sunflower producers need unbiased answers. That’s what we are here for.

Green alfalfa weevil larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 5, 2024

Although the degree day estimates suggest that alfalfa weevils are no longer active in the fields and should be pupating, scouting has indicated otherwise.

Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: June 5, 2024

Peak emergence of the second generation of seedcorn maggots is occurring in a few areas of the state. The rest of the state is between the second and third generation emergences.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2024

In southern South Dakota, enough degree days have accumulated for common stalk borer caterpillars to begin moving from alternative hosts into corn. Fields should be monitored for leaves with signs of defoliation.

Green veins are striking compared to the necrotic (brown) tissue on SDS-infected soybean.

Are You at Risk for Sudden Death Syndrome in Soybean?

The present weather conditions of heavy rainfall and cool temperatures provide a favorable environment for sudden death syndrome in soybeans. Learn some expert tips for identifying and managing it this growing season.

A red tractor driving on a county highway with an orange triangle sign on the rear.

Farm Equipment, Safety on the Road, Everyone’s Role

National Farm Safety Week serves as a safety reminder for those involved in agriculture. During harvest, we will see an increase in farm equipment on the road, including tractors, combines, grain carts, silage choppers and silage trucks.

Phytophthora root and stem rot damage observed in a field of soybeans.

Watch Out for Phytophthora Root and Stem Rot in Soybean

Current weather conditions of continuous rainfall are saturating our fields, which is creating a favorable environment for Phytophthora root and stem rot.

A man smiles for the camera standing outside in a field of row crops

SDSU Extension welcomes new agronomy field specialist

June 10, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Clarence Winter as a new Agronomy Field Specialist.

Multiple red flowers bloom in an open meadow. Green foliage rises from the base of flowers. Spruce trees are seen in the background.

Native Plants to Know: Prairie Smoke (Geum triflorum)

Geum triflorum or Prairie Smoke (Rosaceae) is a flowering, herbaceous (non-woody stem) perennial, native to North American prairies known for its distinctive nodding and wispy flowers that resemble plumes of smoke

Interseeded cover crops growing between rows of mature soybeans.

Inter-Seeding Cover Crops into Soybean

Recent studies have investigated the soil health and yield impacts of inter-seeding various cover crops into soybean plantings.