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A group of grain bins with a green harvester in front.

Soybean Drying and Storage

Why dry crop seeds artificially when they can be naturally dried in the field? Two major reasons are: i) allows harvesting when the crop is ripe and mature, and ii) proper storage that preserves seed quality.

A wheat field with patchy brown areas.

Brown Wheat Mite Affecting South Dakota Wheat

Recently, there have been reports of brown wheat mites throughout central and western South Dakota. The brown wheat mite is generally more of an issue in the drier parts of the state, or in areas experiencing drought. The feeding injury caused by these mites leaves white or brown spots that are referred to as stippling.

A green combine harvesting wheat.

Factors Affecting Wheat Production Decisions: Producer survey findings

Recent USDA data shows that during the past 3 years acres devoted to wheat production continue declining in both South Dakota and North Dakota (USDA, 2018). South Dakota wheat acres experienced a remarkable decrease of 31.5% during the past 3 years, compared with a relatively mild drop of 16.4% by North Dakota.

A combine harvesting soybeans at sunset.

Trade Impacts on Soybeans

Agricultural trade agreements were first established in the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), legal treaty signed initially by 23 nations in 1947. The purpose was to promote international trade by reducing barriers such as tariffs.

Bright-yellow sunflowers growing in a field.

Sunflower Hybrid Variety Trial Results

In 2024, sunflower trials were planted at two locations in South Dakota.

A wheat field at sunset.

Water Use by Plant Stage

Over the growing season, solar radiation, air temperature and plant size are the dominant factors in determining evaporative demand and the rate of water use by wheat. Water use can vary dramatically on a day-to day basis, depending on climate and wheat health.

A plant with light-colored purple flowers blooming throughout

Baptisia

The plant for this week is Baptisia a.k.a. “false indigo”, “white indigo” and “yellow indigo”. This is a hardy perennial for the Northern Great Plains that is easy to grow, has multiple seasons of interest and lives for many years. They are actually native to the US but usually are found in somewhat warmer climates.

A grove of trees with bright yellow and orange leaves.

Kentucky Coffeetree

Kentucky Coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus) is a medium-sized tree that will fit into many landscapes and provide interest all year with its bark, leaves, flowers, fruit and even great fall color, if weather conditions are right.

A sample of green leaves with noticable bumps at their bases.

Cottonwood Galls

Just about every year I receive samples of fallen cottonwood leaves with a “bump” at the base and the first one for this year was from Winner. This is the cottonwood petiole gall formed by the feed activity of a very small green aphid.

Leaves exhibiting aphid damage.

Aphids On Trees

Aphids are appearing on many trees at this time of year and their activity is generally noticed by the abundance of honeydew they excrete on the lower leaves and any plants or objects beneath the tree.