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South Dakota Pest Management Guides

The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.

Hands holding a clump of healthy soil with worms and other living organisms throughout.

What Makes Up a Healthy Soil?

Healthy soil has strong soil structure that stays together whether it’s wet or dry. Learn about the many components that combine to make soil healthy.

Farmer calibrating a yield monitor insde a combine cab.

Improving Yield Data Accuracy: Challenges and Solutions

Fact sheet about improving yield data accuracy

Yellow wheat field with green weeds throughout.

Weed Control Field Test Data

Data books to use as a reference to select appropriate herbicide(s) for row crops

A family farm with the sun setting in the background.

The Economic Impact of Cooperatives in South Dakota

This report estimates the economic impact of cooperatives in South Dakota in 2022. The report’s estimates are based on an input-output analysis from a South Dakota State University (SDSU) survey of cooperatives operating in South Dakota conducted in June of 2023.

Crop sprayer and a bottle of chemicals in a yard.

SDSU Extension 2024 private pesticide applicator training dates set

January 12, 2024

South Dakota State University Extension’s 2024 winter and spring private pesticide applicator certification training sessions are set.

Three stored grain pests. From left: Maize weevil, Angoumois grain moth, Cadelle beetle.

Common Stored Grain Insect Pests

There are several species of insects that feed on stored grain, resulting in reduced grain quality. Learn how to identify some of the most-common grain pests that can be found in South Dakota.

Row of well-maintained grain bins alongside a field.

A Few Considerations for Fall and Winter Grain Storage

Proper grain storage during fall and winter is essential to ensuring a successful harvest. Learn some expert tips for managing stored grain pests and maintaining an ideal bin environment for post-harvest grain storage.

Rows of vegetables are shown with netting protection over them

SDSU Extension to host virtual training series on vegetable production

January 16, 2024

The second annual South Dakota Virtual Vegetable Short Course topics will include cover crop integration, soil health improvement, weed management and integrated pest management for field and high tunnel production. The four-part educational series will take place via Zoom from 6 to 7:30 p.m. MT/7 to 8:30 p.m. CST on Jan. 22, 24, 29 and 31, 2024.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.

Pesticide Mixing and Sprayer Calibration Equations

Pesticides need to be applied at proper rates to ensure effective control of the pest. Learn some common equations used to mix pesticides and calibrate sprayers.