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Purple-brown caterpillar with orange head on a green corn leaf.

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: June 5, 2025

In the southern counties of South Dakota, degree day estimates indicate that common stalk borer caterpillars are beginning to move from weedy hosts along field edges into corn fields.

Landowner viewing information on a laptop computer in a farm office.

South Dakota Ag Land Income Tracker

The South Dakota Ag Land Income Tracker is designed to estimate and display changes to the annual revenue per acre derived from standard agricultural practices on an average, unimproved cropland acre in South Dakota counties.

Redlegged, differential, and twostriped grasshopper nymphs.

Various Grasshopper Species Are Active Across South Dakota

While scouting, we have noticed increased grasshopper nymph activity and in some areas these populations are close to threshold levels. Crops in areas that have had high populations should be regularly scouted to ensure that extensive defoliation doesn’t go unnoticed.

Left: Small group of cattle in a bud box pen. Right: Cattle gathered in a round tub structure.

Bud Box vs. Round Tub Systems

Cattle working systems have evolved, giving producers more options than ever before. Two of the most popular designs today are the bud box and the round tub.

Gardener inspecting soil in a backyard garden plot.

Are Cheap Home Garden Soil Test Kits Accurate?

Inexpensive soil test kits are a method available for gardeners available to estimate soil pH and the level of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium present in the soil.

4-H Supporters

4-H supporters are dedicated individuals, organizations, and community partners who share a common commitment to empowering youth through hands-on learning, leadership development, and civic engagement.

Cream colored larvae on white and green soybean stem on brown dirt.

Dectes Stem Borer Adults Detected in South Dakota Soybean

Dectes stem borer adults have been collected from soybean in Southeastern South Dakota this week. As a reminder, the larvae of insect pest are capable of reducing soybean yields from 0-17% due to its feeding activity inside of the main stem.

Rural Library Hotspot Lending Program

The SDSU Extension and AARP South Dakota Rural Library Hotspot Lending Program provides hotspot lending through rural public libraries, allowing community members to “check out the Internet” and bring connectivity to the comfort of their homes.

Producer observing a group of cattle in a holding pen.

Receiving Management Matters

There are multiple factors that influence cattle help during transportation and receiving. Proper management during these events can avoid negative implications to health and performance.

Women standing in a circle learning about rangeland plants

Annie's Project

Annie's Project is open to all who would like to learn more about agricultural business.