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Bunches of freshly harvested garlic bulbs.

Garlic: How to Grow It

Garlic is a versatile garden vegetable with countless varieties and culinary uses. Learn some expert tips for selecting, growing and harvesting garlic in this resource!

A soil coring device that has been pounded into ground. Next to it are trimmed samples in rings used to measure soil bulk density.

Bulk Density is an Indicator of Soil Health

Bulk density is a commonly measured soil property that can indicate how compacted a soil is and can be used to calculate the percent pore space in the soil.

Farmer standing in a no-till field.

Farming Practice Comparisons in South Dakota: A case study across the fence and implications for the future

This extension study intends to provide some new insights on the financial and carbon storage comparisons between neighboring farms using conventional farming versus conservation practices (mainly no-till and cover crops).

Wheel burrow full of fall yard and garden waste.

Fall Vegetable Garden Cleanup

Fall cleanup can help with the success of your garden next year, as diseased plants left over the winter can provide fungal or bacterial spores waiting to infect next year's plants. Learn some tips for getting started!

Webcam view of the Groton mesonet station.

Climate, Weather and Fire/Fuels Update: October 2, 2023

Across South Dakota, some localized storms and showers brought rain in many parts of the state last week, while weekly average temperatures were two to ten degrees above typical for this time of year.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 1, 2020

Activity of alfalfa weevils has been documented in many areas of South Dakota during the last week. At this time, the entire state has accumulated enough degree days for alfalfa weevils to be active.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa leaf.

Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

A common pest of alfalfa, blister beetles pose serious health risks to livestock if their bodies are consumed along with alfalfa bales. Learn some important considerations for identifying and managing blister beetles before harvesting alfalfa this growing season.

A stock pond with algae blooms developing throughout.

How Important Is Water Quality to Livestock?

Water is the most important nutrient to all livestock animals and is sometimes overlooked. Poor quality water can have a negative effect on growth, reproduction, and general productivity of the animal.

A picture of a green, smooth crabgrass plant with a white background.

Late-Season Crabgrass Control

At the start of August, crabgrass is often prevalent in lawns. Ideally, this weed should be controlled earlier in the season, but if early management was missed, a post-emergence herbicide can help control it before it produces more seed.

Group of mixed cattle grazing winter pasture.

Keep Watch of Young Cows During Calving

Frequent observation of first-calf heifers and good recordkeeping around calving will give producers insight into which heifers are going to breed back and others that might need some extra care.