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Spring wheat field nearing harvest in June.

SDSU Extension to host spring wheat field tours

July 01, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to host tours of spring wheat variety field plots at SDSU Extension Crop Performance Testing program locations.

Gardener inspecting soil in a backyard garden plot.

Are Cheap Home Garden Soil Test Kits Accurate?

Inexpensive soil test kits are a method available for gardeners available to estimate soil pH and the level of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present in the soil.

Base of soybean stem with orange larvae present under the epidermis.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in soybean in southeastern South Dakota. Scouting for fields with infestations may explain wilting or dying soybean along field edges.

Green waterhemp plant next to a black, ink pen. Green soybeans in the background with brown soil in the foreground.

Waterhemp is flowering. No seeds present yet.

Waterhemp is one of the most-difficult weeds to manage in South Dakota row crops. While herbicide resistance is a great factor in the difficulty of managing this weed, the biology of the species plays an important role as well.

Blue container with lid visible that has a label indicating it is only for pesticide contaminated clothing/PPE.

How to Properly Launder Pesticide Contaminated Clothing

Many types of personal protective equipment are intended for single use only and should be discarded after use, but how do you wash reusable equipment and clothing contaminated with pesticide residue?

Two women inspecting range plants

SDSU Extension seeking applicants to host Annie’s Project

July 10, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is seeking applications from individuals or organizations that would like to host an Annie’s Project in their community.

Cream colored larvae on white and green soybean stem on brown dirt.

Dectes Stem Borer Adults Are Active in Soybean: 2025 Management Recommendations

Dectes stem borer adults have been collected from soybean in Southeastern South Dakota. The larvae of this pest are capable of reducing soybean yields by 10-15% due to tunneling activity in the main stem. Learn some tips for scouting and managing them this season.

A woman works in the soil inside a high tunnel; a man in the background drags equipment down a row

SDSU Extension to host event showcasing vegetable production at Cherry Rock Farms

July 15, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to announce an event highlighting how to grow vegetables in a high tunnel at a Brandon-area farm on July 23, 2025.

Left: Blade of sweetgrass. Right: Patch of white sagebrush.

Sweetgrass and White Sagebrush: Native Plants with Medicinal Uses

Many native prairie plants have been used medicinally for generations by the Indigenous peoples of the Northern Great Plains. Sweetgrass and white sagebrush are hardy perennials that have a variety of uses and deep historical significance.

Top: Green cloverworm caterpillar. Bottom: Cabbage looper caterpillar.

Green Caterpillars Causing Defoliation in Soybean

This week we observed several species of caterpillars in soybean fields. The most common species were the green cloverworm and the cabbage looper.