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SWOT Analysis for Your Ranch (And Don’t Forget About Yourself)

Completing a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis allows you to evaluate your operation's current position and decide on management strategies to achieve your goals for the next year. Learn how to get started today!

2020 South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality

Although bean leaf beetles won’t be emerging for a while yet, it is important to be prepared for potential early season defoliation. Once soybean are planted and begin emerging, the overwintering population of bean leaf beetle adults will move into soybean fields and begin feeding on the seedlings.

Evaluating Feedstuffs on Nutrient Cost-Comparison Basis

Feed costs in dairy diets typically make up half or more of the input expenses of a ration. Thus, it is imperative to keep a handle on input costs by comparing ingredients on an apples-to-apples basis when looking for cost-effective diet solutions.

Sod Webworms Causing Issues in Stressed Lawns

Sod webworm moths have been very active during the last couple of weeks. These small moths are an indicator of the potential for lawncare issues to come.

Soybean Aphids Active in South Dakota

Soybean aphid populations have been observed in South Dakota. Although populations are still very small and not widely dispersed, it is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season.

Wheat Stem Maggots Observed in South Dakota Wheat

When scouting wheat, the presence of bleached heads is often the result of feeding activity by wheat stem maggots. Learn some expert tips for identifying this pest and recognizing its activity in wheat.

South Dakota Overwintering Bean Leaf Beetle Predicted Mortality: 2021-2022

Bean leaf beetle emergence is approaching, so it’s important to start thinking about this pest. Knowing the number of days that the air was cold enough for bean leaf beetle mortality allows us to estimate the emerging populations in the spring.

Soybean Aphids Are Active in South Dakota

Small populations of soybean aphids were recently identified while scouting soybean in the Volga and South Shore areas. This is a good reminder that scouting should be ongoing to ensure that populations do not exceed thresholds.

Dealing with Drought Stressed Lawns

Drought is a common concern across the region this summer affecting landscapes in many ways, but probably most noticeably in its impact on lawns.

Importance of Sensory Play for Kids

What is sensory play and what does it do? Let’s explore some easy and affordable ways to incorporate sensory activities into your child’s day.