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Scouting for Grasshoppers in Pasture and Alfalfa
For 2019, we have either received reports of very high grasshopper numbers or of very low or nearly absent populations. Most reports of high populations have originated from areas near rivers and other waterways. This suggests that the rich foliage along the banks of waterways has provided excellent habitat for grasshoppers and has boosted their populations in those areas.
Range Roundup: Dormant Season Wildfire Project in Northwestern South Dakota
Two of the main environmental conditions that drive post-wildfire rangeland recovery include health of the rangeland ecosystem prior to the wildfire and climatic variables, such as precipitation or drought after the fire event.
Sheep Facilities and Moisture
Fact sheet for keeping a barn comfortable and dry to increase lamb survival.
Detecting Pregnancy and Litter Size in Ewes Using Ultrasound
Guide providing insights on optimal timing for pregnancy scanning, what to look for at different gestational stages, and practical ultrasound techniques for the best results.
Vaccinating Early-Weaned Beef Calves
In most years, pre-weaning vaccinations are a task completed in early fall. However, in dry years, poor pasture conditions forcing producers to wean calves early may push up that timeline.
Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient
Water intake is strongly linked to feed intake, so any factors that cause cattle to drink less will lead to reduced feed intake and consequently reduced performance.
Perennial Solutions for Alkali Areas
Reclaiming marginal lands, especially those considered saline or sodic can be very challenging and may take many years to accomplish. The key to turning around salt or alkali areas in your fields, begins with getting a living root established in the affected area.
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.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 20, 2020
During the last week, the colder weather that we experienced across South Dakota resulted in very little degree day accumulation. However, in some areas enough degree days have accumulated to potentially lead to adult activity within alfalfa fields.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 27, 2020
It is finally warming up across much of South Dakota and that means the degree days are beginning to accumulate more rapidly. Alfalfa weevil activity is likely in areas around Rapid City, Hot Springs, Cottonwood, Mission, Pierre, Winner and Vermillion.