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Cream-colored moth with a dark brown band in the middle of its body.

It’s Time To Start Scouting For Banded Sunflower Moths

Sunflowers throughout South Dakota are quickly approaching the R3 growth stage, which means it’s time to start scouting for banded sunflower moths. Banded sunflower moths are capable of reducing yields due to their caterpillars feeding on the bracts, florets and seeds.

Three bean leaf beetles. From Left: Brown beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Yellow beetle with black spots on a green leaf. Red beetle with black spots on a green leaf.

Monitor Soybean for Bean Leaf Beetle Activity

Some of the bean leaf beetles we are currently observing in South Dakota may make up the population of overwintering adults. While these adults are in soybean, they can cause significant amounts of defoliation to the leaves.

Small black beetles covering a partially defoliated leaf.

Flea Beetles Causing Issues in Canola

Large flea beetle populations in canola have been observed in neighboring states and within South Dakota. The hot, dry and sunny conditions that we have been experiencing throughout 2021 have been ideal for flea beetle populations.

Left: Large green leaves of hosta have white and yellow discoloration on the outside edge of the leaves. Right: A green pepper with a tan spot that appears mushy.

Leaf Scorch and Sunscald in the Garden

Long stretches of hot, dry weather will upset the growing habits of all plants and will lead to some unusual symptoms on leaves and produce in the garden. July and August are a prime time to watch for leaf scorch and sunscald.

Gardener deeply watering a vegetable garden in the early morning.

Protecting Plants From Heat Stress

When summer temperatures soar with no sign of a break, it is hard on humans and plants. Learn some tips that will help protect plants from heat stress, including soil protection, watering considerations and providing shade.

A green cut alfalfa field dries as the sun sets.

Forage Inventory and Demand Calculator

Calculator for inventorying livestock and forage on hand to determine additional forage purchase needs, or livestock sales.

Planning Forage Needs

Inventorying and planning for hay and other forage feed needs is essential every year, especially when production is uncertain due to drought or excess moisture.

Man holding his wrist, which is afflicted with arthritis.

Registration Open for Chronic Disease Self-Management Lay Leader Training

July 27, 2021

South Dakota State University Extension is offering a virtual Better Choices, Better Health SD Chronic Disease Self-Management Program Lay Leader Training Aug. 19 to Sept. 30.

Purposeful Retirement Book Club Facilitation Guide

A curriculum that can be used to facilitate a purposeful retirement book club in a community.

Newborn dairy calf in a clean, well-kept hutch.

Raising Purchased Baby Dairy Calves: Getting off to a Good Start

Making sure calves get off to a good start often comes down to paying close attention to the right details. A good relationship with the source of the calves and veterinarians will help ensure those details are optimally managed.