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Alfalfa weevil larvae and adult.

It’s Time To Start Scouting for Alfalfa Weevils in South Dakota

With increasing temperatures, the degree days for alfalfa weevils have steadily increased. The best way to avoid serious alfalfa weevil defoliation is to scout and detect populations early.

Group of black and white, spotted dairy cattle drinking from a water trough.

Water Importance in Lactating Dairy Cows

When considering the importance of water in lactating cow diets, we need to remember that milk is 87 percent water, and its consumption is directly correlated with milk production and feed intake. Water also makes up anywhere from 55 percent to 70 percent of the body weight of a lactating dairy cow, depending upon the phase of the lactation cycle.

Field of green soybean plants with green corn and blue sky in the background.

EPA Approves Dicamba for Over-the-Top Applications in Tolerant Soybean in 2026 and 2027

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a limited-time registration of over-the-top use of dicamba on tolerant cotton and soybean for two growing seasons, 2026 and 2027.

Corn earlobe being stored in a bunker for later use as cattle feed.

Valuing High-Moisture Corn and Earlage

A key advantage to using commodities that meet standard specifications and are frequently traded is that it is very easy to establish an economic value that is accepted by most users. The marketplace sets the value of corn, and other feedstuffs on a daily basis, provided those products meet some set of standard specifications.

a father and son inspecting a show goat in a competition.

Bringing Home Your 4-H Goat Project

Sales and transport is a stressful time for any animal. Reducing stress factors due to transitions start before the actual purchase of your new project. Managing proper nutrition and disease management are just a couple factors to help your project get off to a great start.

Left: Alfalfa weevil larvae. Right: Alfalfa weevil adult.

Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in South Dakota

Alfalfa weevil larvae are active across South Dakota. Although they had a somewhat slower start this year, we are now observing all instars of the larvae in alfalfa fields.

Vast, rolling agricultural landscape with a variety of plant life.

The Nitrogen Biochemical Cycle in Soil

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and is contained in many forms in the soil. Soil microbiology is essential for transforming nitrogen into different forms in the soil.

Cherry tomatoes growing on a vine.

Tomato: How to Grow It

From bite-size grape tomatoes to sliceable beefsteak varieties, learn how to select, plant and grow a wide variety of tomatoes for your garden this growing season!

a creep feeder unit in a pasture. Photo by Alice Welch, USDA

Considering Creep Feeding

Despite what Mother Nature seems to think the summer months are approaching and for some that means rolling out the creep feeder and for others considering whether creep feeding is a necessary investment.

Calculator and pen sitting atop a bill

Health Savings Account vs. Flexible Savings Account: Which is best for me?

Having a health insurance plan does not mean that all medical expenses are covered. Health savings accounts (HSA) and flexible savings accounts (FSA) are designed to help consumers budget for deductibles, co-pays, prescription costs, out-of-pocket costs, and other unexpected medical expenses.