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13 participate in first SDSU Extension Precision Livestock Field School

November 01, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension hosted its first Precision Livestock Field School from July 31 to Aug. 2, 2023, at the Cottonwood Field Station near Philip, South Dakota.

Veterinarian talking with dairy producer inside a dairy cattle barn.

Is There an Ideal Voluntary Waiting Period for Inseminating Your Dairy Cows?

The voluntary waiting period is a crucial management decision that designates a target number of days postpartum, after which cows will be inseminated.

Metalic bronze green beetle on a green leaf

Japanese Beetles in South Dakota

In the last 10 years, Japanese beetle populations have remained low to absent in my garden in Brookings. However, last week I observed large aggregations of beetles feeding on smartweed that was present in my rain garden. Japanese beetles can be problematic for gardens, flowers, and trees in residential areas.

Winter wheat plants at the tillering growth stage with leaves yellowing as a result of wheat streak mosaic virus infection.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Developing in Winter Wheat Fields

A few winter wheat fields in central South Dakota have been found with wheat streak mosaic disease. Incidence of this disease varied from a few plants to large portions of the field with yellowing leaves.

Two beef calves  standing in a dry, fall pasture.

Combatting Drought Conditions With Early Weaning

Producers experiencing drought conditions should consider early weaning to reduce fall grazing pressure and facilitate some pasture recovery before dormancy.

White canvas material covered in dark colored aphids.

Cowpea Aphid Populations Taking off in Alfalfa

In southeast South Dakota, we are observing large cowpea aphid populations in alfalfa. Large populations can reduce yields, and, if left unmanaged, these infestations even kill the plants.

Group of children eating fresh vegetables
Sep 14

South Dakota Crunch Off

The South Dakota Crunch Off is an annual statewide celebration of local foods and farm-to-school efforts.

Brown caterpillar with 3 pale stripes running the length of its body. The head is tan.

Bronzed Cutworms Are Active

Bronzed cutworms can damage turf by clipping blades of grass close to the soil surface. Feeding by bronzed cutworms in lawns will result in small, brown circular patches, and large populations can result in extensive lawn injury.

bunches of Aronia berries still on a bush

Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota

Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.

Three smart phones showing the Prices, Trades, and Crops tools in the Grain Report app.

Grain Report Mobile App

The Grain Report mobile app delivers comprehensive grain market data and analytics for corn, soybean, and wheat producers, traders, and analysts.