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View of pasture and cropland conditions at the Pierre, SD mesonet station.

Drought Update: Mid-June 2026

According to the June 11, 2026 U.S. Drought Monitor, 53% of South Dakota is currently in drought. These conditions are strongest primarily in the southern half of the state, impacting approximately 623,996 residents, or roughly two-thirds of the state’s population, highlighting the ongoing and expanding impact of drought across South Dakota.

Aerial view of the SDSU Southeast Research Farm.

Sep 10

Southeast Research Farm Fall Field Day

SDSU Extension, the South Dakota Agricultural Experiment Station at SDSU and the Southeast South Dakota Experiment Farm Corporation will host the Southeast Research Farm fall field day on Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. CDT.

Research plots at the SDSU West River Research Farm.

Sep 09

West River Research Farm Field Day

Attend the West River Research Farm field day on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. MT at the SDSU West River Research Farm near Sturgis, South Dakota (13370 Alkali Road, Sturgis, SD 57785).

Color-coded map of South Dakota showing Fusarium head blight risk throughout the state. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Tools Available for Fusarium Head Blight Prediction

Fusarium Head Blight (FHB), commonly known as scab, is a major disease threat for wheat each year during the flowering growth stage. To support growers in making informed fungicide decisions, forecasting tools are available that use weather data to estimate the likelihood of scab development.

close up of a broccoli leaf with blackrot.

Black Rot of Brassica Crops

Overview and management of Black Rot for Brassica Crops.

Green corn leaf with ragged holes through-out caused by common stalk borer feeding.

Common Stalk Borer Identification and Management

Common stalk borer caterpillars typically only infest the first few rows of corn adjacent to a road-ditch or waterway. However, if weedy alternative hosts are removed early and the caterpillars are left unmanaged, they can reduce stands and leave the end rows looking rough.

a yong man presenting to a group of people

Growing Connections: An Organizational Map of the South Dakota Local Food System

Behind every farmer’s market, community supported agriculture share, or local food event is a network of advocates, educators, and organizations that make it all possible. The South Dakota Local Food System map illustrates the organizations that strengthen local food through a variety of roles and functions.