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Field of mixed cover crops containing oats.

Cover Crop Considerations for 2020

Producers across South Dakota are harvesting small grains. These crops provide an excellent window for adding a cover crop into your rotation.

Green leaves with notches along the edges

What Is Feeding on My Lilac Bushes?

There have been multiple reports of mysterious defoliation occurring on lilac bushes.The defoliation is often described as notches showing up around the edges of the leaves, resembling the edge of a saw blade.

A row of corn cobs in various colors and sizes

Indian Corn & Popcorn

Beautifully hued ears of dried ornamental corn appear this time of year in autumn decorations. In South Dakota, each fall the Corn Palace at Mitchell sports fresh murals from the naturally colored corn.

Left: Head of softneck garlic cut in half. Right: Head of hardneck garlic cut in half.

Planting Garlic

Garlic is planted late in the fall, before the soil freezes. It is easy to grow, takes very little space and is a true treat. Grow some yourself this fall to enjoy next year!

Grassland with a large amount of dried brush and fuel for burning.

Removing Young Trees From Grasslands Will Save Money and Effort

Volunteer trees can hinder the development of desirable wildlife habitat and livestock resources. Early control of volunteer woody species is the simplest and most cost-effective option for maintaining open grassland habitats.

A young girl harvesting a sweet potato.

Harvest Helpers

At the completion of this lesson, learners will be able to identify root and non-root fruits and vegetables and learn harvesting skills.

Mother with child cooking homemade jam in a kitchen.

Preservation Station!

At the end of this lesson, participants will be able to list the most-common methods used to preserve fruits or vegetables.

A shlterbelt near a grassland with several volunteer trees growing in it.

Removing Mature Shelterbelts From Grasslands

Under what circumstances would removal of mature shelterbelts be warranted? This is a common question often asked in wildlife and conservation circles.

Left: Bird cherry oat aphids. Right: English grain aphids.

Aphid Populations Are Starting to Show up in Corn

Small populations of aphids are starting to show up in corn fields, which could be problematic if the populations continue to grow. During dry seasons, they can have a greater impact on corn.

Green leaf with two yellow spider mites with dark spots.

Dry Conditions Are Ideal for Spider Mite Activity

Several counties in South Dakota are experiencing dryer than normal conditions, therefore, it is important to monitor crops for spider mites, as they thrive during periods of dry weather.