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Two caterpillars feeding on soybeans. Top: Green cloverworm caterpillar. Bottom: Alfalfa caterpillar.

Soybean Defoliators Are Active

It’s that time of the season when numerous defoliating insects can be observed in a single soybean field. Most of the defoliators at this time are green cloverworms and alfalfa caterpillars.

Shiny black beetle on a white background.

Black Vine Weevils Becoming Active

Black vine weevils are now showing up across the state. It is typical for the adult beetles to emerge in early summer and begin feeding on plant foliage. They primarily feed on lilacs and yews, both common landscape shrubs. Although the adults cause minimal damage, their larvae feed on the roots and can occasionally be a threat to ornamental plants, especially those grown in pots or containers.

Winter wheat field covered with snow

Effects of Snow on Wheat

Even though snow that comes with the onset of cool temperatures can be a nuisance for our daily activities, it can benefit a winter wheat crop a great deal.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Update: May 30, 2019

It was another cool week for most of South Dakota, with little degree day accumulation occurring. However, alfalfa fields should still be monitored for alfalfa weevil activity, although the cool, wet weather might have slowed the pest down.

A newborn calf with its mother in a snowy field

Will Health Effects Linger in Beef Calves Following Harsh Spring Weather?

Beef herds calving in late winter or early spring flirt with disaster annually when it comes to bitter weather conditions. It’s a rare year when a prolonged cold snap or snowstorm doesn’t occur during this critical period. In the throes of those weather conditions, calf health and even survival can be directly affected.

A hand holding an asparagus plant.

How to Plant Bare-Root Perennials

Many herbaceous perennial plants are sold as bare-root plants. A bare-root plant is just what it sounds like—a plant with bare roots and not growing in a container. Learn how to select, store, and plant these plants.

Beef cattle eating feed

Pre-conference speakers join 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum

May 28, 2025

A pre-conference program and reception have been added to the 2025 Siouxland Feedlot Forum on June 16-17, 2025, in Sioux Falls, and registration is still available.

young calf resting in pasture

Summer Pneumonia in the Beef Herd

Respiratory disease in pre-weaned beef calves on pasture can be a concern for cow-calf producers, and outbreaks are frustrating for cattle producers and veterinarians alike.

Two rows of leafy, salad greens growing in a garden.

Salad Greens: How to Grow It

Salad greens, grown for their leaves, are cool-season crops. Most salad greens can be planted very early in the spring, and many will germinate in soil temperatures as low as 40° Fahrenheit.

Several rows of yellow onions ready for harvest in a garden.

Harvesting and Storing Root Vegetables

Learn tips for harvesting and storing a variety of root vegetables from your garden, including carrots, beets, turnips, onions and potatoes.