Search

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.

An unplanted field with weeds growing throughout.

Managing Weed Seed in 2020

Producers need to plan in advance on how to deal with bare fields that contain an overabundance of weeds. Weeds in these fields have deposited significant amount of seeds on the soil surface, which can easily germinate when adequate moisture and temperature are available.

SDSU Extension Winter Wheat Variety trials. One plot is showing more yellowing and stress than other plots.

Low Temperature Effects on Winter Wheat

Low temperatures during the early morning hours of May 9–11, 2020 may have had detrimental effects on winter wheat in some areas of South Dakota. However, cooler spring temperatures that have slowed the winter wheat development this year may have actually been beneficial to S.D. producers, as later-maturing wheat is not as susceptible to injury from freezing temperatures.

Tanks of anhydrous ammonia being pulled to a field for fertilizer application.

Determining an Economically Optimal Nitrogen Rate for Corn in 2022

While we can't know what the prices of corn and nitrogen fertilizer will be next year, it is very important to understand how the level of both prices will influence corn profitability for 2022.

Black angus cow with calf in a well-kept cattle pen.

Clean Calving Environment: Pasture and Barn

Setting newborn calves up for success starts with a clean calving environment whether that be a clean pasture or fresh bedding in the barn. A clean environment prevents illness in newborn calves.

Red combine catching on fire while harvesting corn.

Harvest Time Equipment Fires

Dry weather conditions have led to many equipment fires this harvest season. Learn some expert tips for preparing your equipment and fields for a safe harvest, along with insurance considerations before and after a fire event.

Symptoms of three common corn diseases. From left: anthracnose leaf blight, common rust and eyespot.

Is a Fungicide Needed for Developing Corn Diseases?

Corn is starting to tassel in several locations across the state. This is also the growth stage when a fungicide may be applied to control fungal leaf diseases. Diseases currently starting to develop are: anthracnose leaf blight, common rust and eyespot.