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No Documented Sightings of Asian Needle Ants in South Dakota

Despite reports from major news networks citing that Asian needle ants are in South Dakota, we have no evidence that the ant is established or has ever been documented in the state.

Cattle grazing snow-dusted winter pasture.

Protecting Your Pastures While Winter Grazing

Winter grazing of stockpiled grass produced during the growing season can help extend the grazing season and reduce winter feed costs. Learn some strategies to successfully incorporate winter grazing into your operation.

Hilary Risner and Caroline Hansen accepting the Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development national award.

South Dakota 4-H Legislature Wins National Award

October 25, 2023

For their efforts in creating the state’s first 4-H Legislature, the South Dakota 4-H Legislature Program committee received the Citizenship in 4-H Youth Development national award.

A herd of cattle gather around a stock pond on a vast, lush grassland. Courtesy: USDA [CC BY 2.0]

Range Improvements, Grazing Systems and Net Present Value, What is the Right Balance?

As farms and ranches across South Dakota continue to endure increasing costs of production while receiving less cash for grain and livestock marketed; ranch managers must be extra diligent when implementing new range improvements and grazing systems on their ranches.

An older man wearing hiking boots standing on a rock.

Fitness Over 50

We can benefit from physical activity at any age. Physical fitness decreases our risk of hypertension, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and some cancers.

Accessible home exterior with zero-entry doorway.

New Me, New Home.

After a series of life-changing strokes, Julie List made the bold decision to move into an accessible home. Learn how her journey transformed her into a voice for accessible home design.

Stripe Rust Starting To Develop in Winter Wheat

Stripe rust was found in a few winter wheat fields scouted this week. The presence of a few plants with stripe rust indicates there is inoculum of this pathogen in the state.

Native grasses growing in a well-managed rangeland.

Native Species

Native grassland species are a vital part of South Dakota’s livestock industry. Native species tend to be well adapted to the soils and climate of a specific area, and they are typically less susceptible to disease, pests, drought and other ailments.

A soybean plant with wilting leaves due to stem canker surrounded by healthy soybean plants.

Stem Canker Developing in Some Soybean Fields

A few soybean fields are showing some wilting plants due to stem canker. The field entries and head rows are the most-impacted parts of these fields. The current dry conditions are stressing the plants and causing early development of the disease.

Damsel Bugs: Beneficial Predators in Managed and Agricultural Landscapes

It is important to remember that not all insects are pests. Damsel bugs are beneficial predators that feed on soft-bodied insects, including many agricultural and garden pests.