Skip to main content

Search

A grove of white flowers with yellow centers

McCrory Gardens Trial Report aids in flower selection

April 30, 2026

The McCrory Gardens Trial Report, issued annually by SDSU Extension and McCrory Gardens, helps South Dakotans choose flower varieties that do well in local conditions.

Green wheat plants with some yellowing throughout.

Keep Watch: Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus is Developing in South Dakota Fields

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus has been reported in South Dakota wheat fields and is also a major wheat disease for Great Plains states in 2025. The virus is sweeping across the state and is rampant in winter wheat.

Managing Water with Soil Health

If we are seeing so many benefits to drainage and soil health systems, why isn’t everybody doing it? Can we see a win-win-win situation when looking at habitat, agronomy, and water quality in a system?

Color-coded map of South Dakota indicating the number of classes of change in drought conditions from June 3 to September 2, 2025. For a detailed description, please call SDSU Extension at 605-688-4792.

Summer 2025 Climate Review and September Outlook

A record wet August in several locations marked the end of South Dakota’s meteorological summer. One challenge coming this fall will be determining how quickly field and crop conditions dry down to allow harvest activities to progress.

Green to yellow kochia plants within sixteen, separate black pots filled with brown soil. Green, white, pink and blue marker stakes are within the pots denoting treatments.

Dicamba-Resistant Kochia Can Likely Be Found Across South Dakota

Kochia populations collected across South Dakota have been subjected to an herbicide effectiveness screen, where a treatment of dicamba was applied and some kochia plants exhibited survival and regrowth after treatment.

Woodland Phlox and Dame’s Rocket.

Plant Look-Alikes: What’s the Difference Between Phlox and Dame’s Rocket?

Distinguishing between native phlox flowers and the invasive dame's rocket can be challenging due to their similar appearances. Learn some key characteristics that can help you tell dame's rocket apart before it invades your property.

A green tractor, pulling a red, high-clearance planter through a field of emerging corn.

Interseeding Cover Crops Effect on Corn and Soybean Production: 2019

Incorporating cover crops into our cropping systems and moving from conventional tillage to no-till can improve soil organic matter, soil structure, and water and nutrient holding capacity of our soils.

A large square bale of Alfalfa hay that has been put up for storage.

Understanding Hay Inoculants and Preservatives on ‘Dry’ Hay

As haying season approaches, producers across South Dakota will begin preparing to get out the baler. In recent years, it has been quite difficult for many producers to put up quality, dry hay. This often results in growers considering using inoculants and hay preservatives.

Close-up of a yellow sunflower head.

National Sunflower Association 2021 Sunflower Survey

Volunteers from private industry and SDSU Extension will soon be visiting South Dakota sunflower fields to participate in the biennial sunflower survey. The survey aims to evaluate yields and production practices along with pest pressure from weeds, insects, diseases and birds.

Winter wheat.

SDSU Extension 33rd Annual Winter Wheat Meeting To Be Held August 24

August 19, 2022

SDSU Extension, in collaboration with the Jones County Crop Improvement Association, will host the 33rd Annual Winter Wheat Meeting in Draper, South Dakota, on August 24 at 6:30 p.m. CDT.