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A farmer observing an unplanted field at sunset.

2020 Planting Decisions

Planting decisions for this spring are complicated given the recent spread of COVID-19. A very busy planting season is approaching quickly. Input suppliers and farmers will be met with a requirement to complete tasks timely to evade economic losses from delays.

New vineyard with landscape fabric in-row.

Grape Production Resources

Quality wine grapes can be grown in South Dakota with careful attention to growing site, cultivar selection and production techniques. View a collection of resources for getting started today.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 14, 2020

The alfalfa weevil is a major spring insect pest of South Dakota alfalfa. Before 2018, this insect was reported as having large populations throughout much of South Dakota. However, during 2018 and 2019, we received fewer reports of alfalfa weevils, which may have been a result of the cooler and wetter spring conditions that were observed.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Cash Flow and Income Considerations for S.D. Farms: Part 1

Grain farming is facing a reduced income outlook for 2020. Unpriced old crop revenue has decreased and projected revenue for 2020 crop is reduced. Offsetting these decreases are chances that some input prices may fall, fuel related expenses and possibly higher payments from commodity title programs.

variety of garden catalogs laying on a blue background

Choosing Vegetable Varieties for Your Area

Spring is coming and will be here before we know it. Gardeners are reading through catalogs, looking at that new variety of green bean, or maybe a gorgeous new tomato. The catalogs are written to hook you in by making these varieties look as good as possible. The photos are generally mouthwatering and the descriptions often seem a bit over-the-top.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Cash Flow and Income Considerations for S.D. Farms: Part 2

This is the second article of a two-part series examining cash flow and income for South Dakota grain farms. This article will look at crop insurance, prices for 2020 crops, and changes in input prices.

soybean pods

2019 Soybean Fungicide Field Trials Summary

This document contains results of soybean field trials conducted during the 2019 growing season to evaluate foliar fungicides to manage various soybean diseases.

Spring wheat emerging from a field of corn stubble.

Planting Spring Wheat Into Corn or Milo Residue: Considerations for Scab

Due to current grain prices and other reasons, growers may be considering planting spring wheat into fields that were planted to corn or milo last season. While this type of crop rotation is not generally recommended, economic and logistical challenges sometimes may dictate otherwise.

cranberries being loaded by an auger

Cranberries: A colorful and nutritious fruit

Fall is a busy time for farmers in the northern Great Plains, harvesting thousands of acres of corn and soybeans. Not too far away, in central and northern Wisconsin the harvest was in full swing too, but the crop they are harvesting is a small fruit called the cranberry. Wisconsin is the leading state in cranberry production, growing 60% of all of the cranberries consumed in the United States.

A stand of field peas mixed with small grains being grown for forage.

Peas Offer Options in 2020

Current events have made decisions around crop options very difficult this spring. Field peas are an option that may have a fit for some producers.