Search

Seven millipedes, some curled up, on a white background with a quarter for scale.

Millipedes in Yards and Homes

During late summer and early fall, millipedes are typically a hot topic as they are observed moving into homes, sheds and other outbuildings. When found indoors, they are considered accidental entrants, as they are not able to reproduce indoors and will eventually die.

Wire cage over raised bed garden.

Preventing and Dealing with Hail Damage in the Garden

Do you live in an area prone to hailstorms? All is not lost! Learn about some options to protect your plants when storm clouds threaten along with strategies for caring for damaged plants afterwards.

Three holiday cacti. From left: Easter cactus, Thanksgiving cactus, Christmas cactus.

A Cactus for Every Holiday: Caring for This Popular Indoor Plant

Many people may not realize that there are three distinct species of holiday cacti: Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. This article explains the different types of holiday cacti and how to care for them.

Monarch butterfly visiting a blanket flower near a backyard garden.

SDSU Extension to host Backyard Natural Resources series

May 01, 2025

South Dakota State University is pleased to announce the second year of its virtual Backyard Natural Resources series on May 6, 8, 13 and 15, 2025.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Large Grasshopper Populations Detected in South Dakota

Very large populations of grasshoppers have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although these grasshoppers aren’t causing serious defoliation in crops yet, there is the possibility that they will as the season progresses.

tractor near pile of harvested silage

Silage Moisture Testing Tips

Two key points to keep in mind when making high-quality silage are moisture content before harvest and nutrient content before feeding.

Mosquito with darker coloration and mosquito with white band on proboscis.

Be Ready for Mosquitos

With the very wet 2019 spring and recent rains, it inevitable that mosquito populations will be high this year. Although there are over 20 species of mosquitoes that call South Dakota home, there are really only two species that account for the majority of observed individuals.

A female Hessian fly on a blade of wheat.

Hessian Fly: Winter Wheat Planting Date Considerations

As winter wheat planting rapidly approaches, there are many factors that should be considered. One of those factors is choosing a planting date to avoid Hessian fly issues. Learn some expert tips for selecting a safe planting date for your region.

A pasture containing a mixture of grasses and alfalfa.

Grasshopper Activity Is Ramping Up

We have already observed increased grasshopper activity in many areas of the state and, depending on the 2022 season, they may become problematic in crops.

A producer meeting with an employee in a farmyard.

Leading Through COVID-19 on the Farm and Ranch

Producers can be quick to adapt and utilize technology, but sometimes need a little nudge in other areas. COVID-19 sometimes feels like one of the areas that agriculture needs a nudge in.