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Pink beetle with black spots feeding on oblong, yellow eggs.

Pink Lady Beetles: Beneficial Predators in Urban and Agricultural Landscapes

There are numerous insect species that are beneficial to the gardens and farms. In this article, we will highlight a common insect predator known as the pink lady beetle, or spotted lady beetle.

Male and female rancher reviewing clipboard in a cattle barn.

COVID-19 Tips for Farms and Ranches

Continuing to keep employees and family members healthy through the COVID-19 pandemic will require extra effort as you enter the busy time of fall harvest.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Grasshoppers Are Causing Concerns in South Dakota Crops

In 2020, grasshopper populations were an issue in parts of central and western South Dakota. The populations this year are moving into crops earlier and appear to be as bad as the ones observed last year.

Harvested corn field with field pennycress throughout.

Soybean Cyst Nematode Management Plans Should Include Proactive Weed Management

While soybean cyst nematode can be managed through use of resistant varieties and crop rotation, presence of alternative weed hosts can negate the benefits of these practices by providing a host for soybean cyst nematode to continue to accumulate in the soil.

Yellow and green leaf of oats. Yellowing color is a symptom of Barley yellow dwarf virus.

Barley Yellow Dwarf Developing in Oats

A few oat fields that were recently scouted were found to have barley yellow dwarf virus infected plants. The infected plants were few and scattered throughout the oat fields.

A thin brown insect with two white spots on its side hoisting a yellow insect up with its mouthparts.

Biocontrol Agents: Brown Lacewings

With so many insect pests causing concern for both gardeners and farmers, it’s important to know which ones are on our side. In this article, we focus on the brown lacewing and the beneficial role it plays within the landscape.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa plant with purple flowers.

Watch for Blister Beetles in Later Alfalfa Cuttings

The frequent rain events experienced this summer has helped boost forage production. Although this is great for growers, the possibility of encountering blister beetles at harvest increases later in the summer.

Glory of the Snow, Daffodil, and Allium blooming in three gardens.

Bulbs to Plant in the Fall

Fall is the time to plant cold-hardy bulbs in South Dakota gardens. This will ensure that your landscape will have a variety of color, size, and bloom types the following season.

Prairie pasque flowers blooming in early spring.

Native Plant Resources for South Dakota

As we continue to see the benefits of growing native plants in cultivated landscapes, finding the right plant for the right place requires the right resources. Learn about some available native plant sources, educational materials, and organizations serving our region.

onions still in the ground with their tops bending over

Growing Onions

Onions have been a commonly grown vegetable for thousands of years. They are easy to grow, nutritious and can be stored for months until they are needed as part of a meal. There are many different kinds of edible members of the Allium genus but bulbing onions are the most commonly grown.