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SDSU Extension welcomes new statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager

September 11, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Sami Nordmann as the new statewide 4-H Livestock Program Manager.

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Headclipping Weevils in Sunflower

Headclipping weevils have been active in some sunflower fields and in ornamental sunflower throughout South Dakota. Although the headclipping weevil is considered a minor pest of commercial sunflowers, it can cause a lot of problems for individuals trying to maintain sunflowers in their yards and gardens.

Beetle with white elytra with black stripes. Head and thorax are orange. Thorax has two black spots present on it.

Three-Lined Potato Beetles Are Eating My Tomatillos!

Three-lined potato beetles can cause issues in tomatillos, ground cherries, potatoes, and tomato plants Learn how to identify and manage them before they impact your garden produce.

A female Hessian fly on a blade of wheat.

Hessian Fly: Winter Wheat Planting Date Considerations

As winter wheat planting rapidly approaches, there are many factors that should be considered. One of those factors is choosing a planting date to avoid Hessian fly issues. Learn some expert tips for selecting a safe planting date for your region.

Beef, swain and lamb carcasses cleaned and ready for butchering and processing at a locker.

Guide for Purchasing Freezer Beef, Pork and Lamb

Purchasing meat directly from farmers and ranchers has become a prominent consumer trend. This article focuses on purchasing a beef animal, pig or lamb to stock your freezer.

Caterpillar with a red stripe on its back sitting on a green leaf. Bottom: Mottled gray caterpillar sitting on a green leaf.

Cutworms in Sunflowers

In South Dakota, some late-planted sunflower fields are having some cutworm pressure. Although most cutworm activity should be wrapped up by now, it is possible that some populations may have been feeding up until the beginning of July.

Four common, native milkweed plants: butterfly weed, swamp milkweed, common milkweed and whorled milkweed.

Garden-friendly Milkweeds to Plant in South Dakota

Are you looking to add native plants to your home garden this season? Consider expanding your garden palette with milkweed species that are native to South Dakota.

A soybean field with notisable yellowing and browning on a section of plants.

Replanting Considerations

Every season weather events such as hail or flooding can damage or destroy previously planted crops in all or in portions of fields. In May or even early June, many producers will replant these areas. As the end of June approaches, the window for replanting narrows and producers may want to do a more careful evaluation of whether or not to replant.

herd of mixed cattle in a dry lot

Drylotting Cow-Calf Pairs

Whether because of reduced forage production caused by drought, or increased competition for grazing acres, feeding lactating cows in a drylot is being at least considered as an option by more ranchers.

A small group of calves in a snowy pasture.

Determining the Best Method of Castration for Beef Calves

Spring is an important time for making the best management decisions for the health and well-being of your calves, with an extremely important one being the castration of the bull calves.