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a Black and yellow garden spider on its web.

An identification guide for Common Spiders in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with identification and management of common spiders.

Brown insect with two pincher like appendages at the end of its body.

An identification guide for Home and Building Arthropod Pests - Insects, Spiders and Other Invaders in South Dakota

Identification guide to assist with identification and management of home and building arthropod pests (insects, spiders and other invaders).

a field of wheat starting to grow

What Makes Winter Wheat a “Winter Wheat”?

For most of us wheat is wheat; however there is a distinct difference between spring and winter wheat, even though the vegetative characteristics of these two wheat types are very similar. Winter wheat can withstand freezing temperatures for extended periods of time during the early vegetative stage and requires exposure to freezing or near freezing temperature to trigger reproductive stage. In other words, if winter wheat does not go through a period of cold temperatures, then it will not produce seed. Two things needed for winter wheat to perform at optimally and produce good yields are- cold acclimation and vernalization.

Two producers reviewing financial paperwork in a farm office.

Farm’s Target for Working Capital

Working capital provides a first line of defense for financial stress and an opportunity to take advantage of bargains that may arise. Learn how to calculate it and determine strategic targets for your operation.

Canada thistle growing in a pasture.

Noxious Weeds of South Dakota

Pictorial reference guide of noxious weeds in South Dakota

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Bean Leaf Beetles Showing Up in Soybean

Despite the prediction of low overwintering survival we have observed bean leaf beetles in soybean this week. See our latest observations and management recommendations.

Blades of green wheat in a wheat field.

Wheat Seed Testing, Pure Live Seed, and Seeding Rates

To legally sell wheat seed in South Dakota, a standard test—following Association of Official Seed Analysts (AOSA) seed testing protocols, for germination, purity, and noxious weeds—is required. This standard analysis, plus a seed count provides information needed to determine the seeding rate.

Green soybean with wilting/dying soybean within the same row.

Soybean Gall Midge Larvae Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Soybean gall midge larvae have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although the infestations probably won’t result in plant death in many fields in 2022, the infestations could be a source for soybean gall midge adults in 2023.

Small, green teardrop shaped insects on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

Soybean Aphids Active in South Dakota

Soybean aphid populations have been observed in South Dakota. Although populations are still very small and not widely dispersed, it is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season.

Black beetle with a red head on soybean leaf.

Redheaded Flea Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

Redheaded flea beetles are now active in soybean. Although they haven’t caused significant defoliation yet, their activity should be monitored, as other defoliating insects are also present in soybean.