Search

A color-coded map indicating the average date of 32 degree temperatures across various Midwestern states.

Fall Frost and September Climate Outlook for 2019

This year’s struggles with weather and climate are continuing this fall. Late planting of corn and soybeans in the spring have now combined with near average or cooler than average summertime temperatures. This combination has led to slow crop growth and the need for an extended frost-free season to ensure these crops reach maturity.

Green winter wheat field

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension will deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars January 7 to February 27, 2025, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST.

Earthworms on the soil surface inside a white hard-plastic ring, after mustard-vinegar solution was drained down through the soil profile forcing earthworms out onto the surface in order to be counted.

How’s Life in the Soil? Ask (Count) the Earthworms.

Earthworms are ‘very special’ creatures on earth, and their contribution in soil nutrient cycling and fertility management has been acknowledged from the beginning of agriculture. So, the question needs to be asked, how can we help improve earthworm populations?

An adult, brown-to-black millipede feeding on a green leaf.

Millipedes May Be Responsible for Reduced Soybean Stands in 2020

When we think of millipedes, it is usually as a nuisance pest indoors. However, there have been reports in South Dakota and neighboring states of millipedes being more than just a nuisance in 2020.

Merino sheep grazing on grassy pasture.

Lamb Bonanza to showcase sheep industry Jan. 7 during SDSU Jackrabbit basketball game

January 06, 2023

Jackrabbit fans who attend the Jan. 7 South Dakota State University women’s basketball game can also sample lamb and wool products as part of the 31st Annual Lamb Bonanza.

SDSU cheerleader holding a yellow lamb pelt with the SDSU mascot

33rd Lamb Bonanza to showcase sheep industry during SDSU basketball game

January 02, 2025

The 2025 Lamb Bonanza is Saturday, Jan. 11, at First Bank & Trust Arena on the SDSU campus in Brookings. The game starts at 2 p.m. and features the SDSU women versus the University of Missouri-Kansas City Roos.

Three grassland insects. From left: white grub, dung beetles and Dakota Skipper Butterfly.

Rangeland Insects Are Critical Indicators of System Health

Insects, in general, may offer more indication of rangeland health than any other type of organism. They serve as key building blocks that other organisms depend on.

Small, brown insect with tail.

Springtails Are in My Home

During the last few weeks, we have been receiving an increased number of questions regarding very small insects that jump very far. It didn’t take long to determine that the hordes of small insects are springtails.

A portion of a soybean field with soybean plants maturing with the soybean leaves turning yellow with the leaves and stems drying down. The plants in the middle of the picture were also found with charcoal rot.

Charcoal and Fusarium Rots Observed in Early Senescing Soybean Plants

The drought conditions in South Dakota have led to early soybean senescence in some areas. However, some of the early senescing may be due to dry-season diseases, such as charcoal and Fusarium rots.

Gray beetle with long antennae that are alternating white and black pattern on green leaf petiole.

Will Dectes Stem Borers Be an Issue in 2020?

Every year, there is a risk that sunflower in South Dakota will be infested by Dectes stem borer larvae. At this point in the season, adults are active, and females have likely been laying eggs in sunflower plants.