Search

Sihlouette of farmers shaking hands with a tractor in the background
Sep 30

International Farm Transition Network - Understanding Farm Succession Planning through a Readiness Lens

SDSU Extension and the International Farm Transition Network (IFTN) will hold an online training session on September 30, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. CDT.

Winter wheat emerging from a planted field.

Starter Fertilizer in Winter Wheat

Winter wheat planting season is soon at hand. Questions often abound on the issue of fertilization rates, timing and placement. Over the years, a lot of research has focused on starter fertilizers or split-applying nitrogen (N) and other nutrients. In general, phosphorus placed with the seed has been shown to increase tillering and total grain yield. Nitrogen is more uncertain, due to the possibility of salt burn and the associated yield losses.

aerial view of the James River Valley

Every Acre Counts

Every Acre Counts improves production practices for greater profitability.

Cottonwood Creek on the SDSU Cottonwood Field Station.

Ranching and Prairie Streams: Why Riparian Areas Matter

For many producers, riparian pastures are essential to their operations. However, land managers need to balance grazing and utilization needs with riparian health for the long-term benefit of their operation.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 20, 2021

This week we accumulated degree days for alfalfa weevils at a rapid rate. As a result, we observed many areas of the state potentially move through more than one larval life stage.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Crop Tolerance to Soil Herbicide Residual

Some herbicides can persist in soil, especially dry soil. Herbicide carryover could be an issue in 2021 across the state depending upon last year’s moisture levels and field conditions.

partially flooded spring wheat field in early spring.

Spring Wheat 2019: A Repeat of Last Year?

The spring of 2019 has been cold and wet in many areas of South Dakota, similar to the spring of 2018. In 2018, despite the challenging weather, spring wheat acres were up 8% from 2017. However, planted acres in 2019 may be reduced as the extended weather forecast shows unfavorable planting conditions extending well into May.

A red and white holstein calf, looking through the fence from its calf hutch on a sunny, summer day.

Understanding and Mitigating Heat Stress in Young Dairy Animals

We often don’t focus as much on heat stress in young dairy calves and tend to focus more on cold stress. However, it is just as important and producers or calf raisers should have a plan in place to help mitigate heat stress in these animals also.

Diseases & Disorders teaser

Fungicide Resistance: Risk and Management

What is fungicide resistance?
Fungicide resistance can be defined as when a pathogen population is no longer sensitive or has reduced sensitivity to the fungicide that used to control the same pathogen.

Map of South Dakota with Mesonet stations marked with blue dots.

How to Use the South Dakota Mesonet Small Grains Tool

South Dakota Mesonet Small Grains Tool is an easy-to-use and efficient tool that can help identify disease risks associated with wheat leaf rust, wheat leaf spot diseases, and Fusarium head blight.