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Drought-stressed cornfield.

Valuing Drought-Stressed Corn Silage

Salvaging failed crops as silage for livestock can be a “win-win” for both crop growers and livestock owners. Learn how you can use data to improve the odds of finding a value that is fair to both parties.

Small, reddish-orange beetles on a green sunflower bud with a larger grey beetle also present.

Red and Gray Sunflower Seed Weevil Identification

While scouting sunflower, it’s not uncommon to observe both red and gray sunflower seed weevils on the same developing head. Differentiating these two species isn’t difficult, as there are obvious size and coloration differences.

Three bees. From left: metallic native wild bee, brown native wild bees and bumble bee.

Pollinators Are Active in Sunflower

While scouting sunflowers, it’s hard to not notice the constant buzzing present in the field, which is produced by numerous species of bees. While sunflower varieties grown in the United States were bred for self-fertility, there is evidence that both honey bees and native wild bees can improve pollination.

A soybean plant with wilting leaves due to stem canker surrounded by healthy soybean plants.

Stem Canker Developing in Some Soybean Fields

A few soybean fields are showing some wilting plants due to stem canker. The field entries and head rows are the most-impacted parts of these fields. The current dry conditions are stressing the plants and causing early development of the disease.

Young farmer examining soybean plants n a field at sunset.

Be Aware of Fungicide Resistance in Field Crops

A few soybean and corn fields have received or will be receiving a fungicide application this season. We recommend scouting fields treated with fungicides to determine if diseases are controlled as expected or if there are signs of reduced sensitivity.

Winter wheat test plots with numerous groups of green wheat plants growing throughout.

2021 Draper Winter Wheat Meeting Set for Aug. 26

August 13, 2021

The Jones County Crop Improvement Association, along with South Dakota State University Extension will be hosting the 32nd annual Winter Wheat Meeting in Draper, South Dakota on Aug. 26.

A small herd of cattle grazing a hilly pasture in early fall.

Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop Postponed

August 16, 2021

The Sustainable Agriculture Curriculum Workshop scheduled for Aug. 19 at the South Dakota State University Extension Pierre Regional Center has been postponed.

Paul O. Johnson making notes about a field of corn

SDSU Extension to Tackle Weed, Pest and Drought Inquiries at State Fair

August 23, 2021

To address drought concerns, as well as weed and pest inquiries, South Dakota State University Extension will feature two booth locations at the 2021 South Dakota State Fair Sept. 2-6 in Huron.

harvester chopping corn silage, depositing silage into green wagon.

Video Series Offers Tips on Harvesting Failed Crops as Forage

August 24, 2021

To help producers navigate through these issues, SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition have recently released a new video series, “Salvaging Drought Stressed Crops.”

Tan-gray Goss’s bacterial blight lesions were observed in scouted corn fields.

Goss's Bacterial Wilt and Leaf Blight of Corn

Fact sheet for identifying Goss’s bacterial wilt and leaf blight of corn, also known
as bacterial leaf freckles and wilt.