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USDA agent analyzing an ear of corn with a producer alongside a cornfield in early fall.

Margin Protection Crop Insurance for Corn in South Dakota

Farmers may be interested in exploring different aspects of crop insurance during the current agricultural conditions of low commodity prices and high input prices. One alternative available is Margin Protection crop insurance.

Crate of fresh picked vegetables with a garden in the background

Dakota Food Rx and high tunnel research support local producers

September 25, 2024

SDSU Extension has supported the growing local foods movement for more than 20 years. This year, those efforts have included a pilot produce prescription program and expanded high tunnel research.

Female producer viewing a ransomware warning on a computer screen in a farm office.

Ag Cybersecurity and Social Engineering 101

Social engineering is manipulating individuals to share confidential information and compromise security. By understanding the basics of social engineering, stakeholders can take proactive steps to ensure the resilience of agricultural systems against cyber threats.

Male farmer reviewing paperwork with a female banking agent at an office.

What should you do before or after any cyber security breaches?

Preparation is critical for managing cybersecurity breaches in agriculture, where digital tools and data are increasingly integral to operations. Learn what you can do before, during, and after a security breach to protect your operation in the event of a breach.

A green sunflower head with brown frass throughout.

Sunflower Moths Causing Problems

While scouting late-planted sunflowers two weeks ago, there were increased observations of sunflower moth caterpillars in the heads that were later than the rest of the field. Sunflower moths are best managed as moths or early instar larvae.

A white and purple seedhead of a Canada thistle with a blurry, bright green background.

Perennial Weed Management in the Fall

Most herbicide applications to manage perennial weeds have already occurred. However, now is the time to consider fall applications for weeds that were not treated or escaped the spring application.

Hands holding a corn leaf with a single tar spot lesion developing.

South Dakota Tar Spot Update: September 9, 2024

Tar spot is a potentially yield-impacting disease of corn, and it was recently found in plant samples from Minnehaha and Turner counties. Learn some expert tips for scouting and managing it this season.

Tractor applying residual herbicide to a bare field.

Fall-Applied Residual Herbicides

Many parts of South Dakota can experience dry conditions when residual herbicides are applied, resulting in inadequate weed control. In these areas, residual herbicides can be applied in the fall and take advantage of a longer period to receive activating precipitation.

Small, green and yellow florets being held by a hand.

Isolated Female Waterhemp Plant Produced Seed: Implications that pollen is in the air

Recent observations by the SDSU Extension Weed Science team highlight that pollen can move far distances to pollinate isolated female plants. This reinforces the need to effectively manage weeds in fields and adjacent areas.

Several plastic bottles of pesticides gathered together in a white tub.

Managing Waste Pesticides: Restricted Use Pesticides

While pesticides are intended only to impact pests, they can have negative consequences on unintended targets, such as humans and wildlife, if not handled properly. Learn what steps you need to take to safely dispose of unused pesticides and comply with regulations.