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A horizontal bed biofilter diagram. Contact SDSU Extension for more information.

Horizontal Bed Biofilter Construction: Lessons learned at the SDSU gestation unit

This article outlines the design considerations, experiences and cost to construct a horizontal bed biofilter for a pit fan on the new South Dakota State University Swine Education and Research Facility gestation room.

Women look through potted plants on a table in a classroom

Register now to become an SDSU Extension Master Gardener

February 03, 2025

The course is open to anyone who would like to learn horticulture skills and research-based best practices and share their gardening knowledge with others. Participants will learn which plants are well-suited for South Dakota, including trees, shrubs, perennial flowers, turfgrass, vegetables and fruits. Other topics include soils, plant diseases, insect pests and weeds.

Streamlines podcast cover image

Phosphorus and Algal Blooms (Part 1 of 4)

This week we are joined by Dr. Lindsey Pease, an assistant professor and extension specialist in nutrient and water management at the Northwest research and outreach center for the University of Minnesota, and Dr. Chad Penn, a soil scientist for the USDA Agricultural Research Service and an adjunct professor at Purdue University. 

calf with mother cow in pasture

Fetal Programming of Carcass Characteristics

Fetal programming effects on carcass traits as well as offspring growth are currently a large focus area in beef research.

Producer reviewing an aid application with a USDA FSA agent.

Livestock Loss Assistance Available

Has your operation experienced a sudden catastrophic loss of livestock due to weather? Financial assistance may be available through the USDA Livestock Indemnity Program.

SDSU’s off-site wean-to-finish barn.

Phytobiotics-based Product Found to Impact Bacterial Populations in Gut of Weaned Pigs

As additions to feed or water, phytobiotics have shown promise in alleviating some of the negative effects of weaning on piglet health and growth performance.

Three photos of blister beetles. The first is a black colored blister beetle on a purple flower. The second is a gray colored blister beetle on yellow flowers. The third is an orange-brown colored blister beetle feeding on a green leaf.

Check Alfalfa for Blister Beetle Activity

Blister beetles are becoming more common as we progress through the growing season. Recently, there have been multiple reports of blister beetles showing up in alfalfa fields.

Three light green and brown insects on a blade of wheat.

Continue Scouting Wheat for Aphid Populations

Aphid populations in winter wheat continue to be observed in South Dakota. The major questions now are whether or not aphid populations are at economic threshold and if spraying is really necessary.

Left: Black soil tarp on a research plot. Right: The same research plot uncovered, revealing little-to-no weed pressure.

Early Season Soil Solarization and Occultation Impacts on Weed Pressure and Onion Yield in Eastern South Dakota: Year 2 (2024) Results

Research report on whether soil tarping can reduce weed pressure in onion yields for the second year

Elongate, reddish-brown beetle on a white background.

Foreign Grain Beetles in New Construction

As new homes are constructed around South Dakota, we continually receive questions about small, brown insects showing up in bathrooms and basements. These insects are foreign grain beetles.