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Seecorn maggot larva feeding on a seed in a field.

Seedcorn Maggot Degree Day Activity Estimates: May 20, 2021

Seedcorn maggots can be an early-season pest of corn and soybean in South Dakota, typically affecting crops that are emerging or have recently emerged. Seedcorn maggots can cause direct loss by destroying planted seeds.

Yellow wireworm on an orange sweet potato.

Wireworms in the Garden

With warming soil temperatures, overwintering wireworms have become active throughout South Dakota. Wireworms are soil-dwelling insects that can be pests of germinating seeds, seedlings and root crops.

Color-coded map of South Dakota’s plant hardiness zones.

2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zones

Winter and spring are a great time for planning new garden and landscape designs. Learn how recent updates to the USDA Plant Hardiness Zones may have South Dakota gardeners feeling extra adventurous when selecting new plants for their gardens this season!

The U.S. Drought Monitor map for South Dakota as of February 4, 2021. Courtesy: U.S. Drought Monitor

Understanding Drought: Information and Current Status

Producers can proactively manage drought impacts by staying up-to-date on current drought status through the United States Drought Monitor website. Weekly updates for South Dakota are posted each Thursday and allow producers to make proactive management decisions.

Black beetles with orange or yellow spots feeding on a ripe tomato.

How Do I Keep Insects From Destroying My Garden Produce?

It is not unusual to see insects in a garden during the fall, but it can be frustrating to watch nearly ripe produce be destroyed by insects before it can be picked.

Female FSA employee reviewing paperwork with a male producer.

Counties Designated as Disaster Areas and Qualify for Other Programs

Five South Dakota counties have been given disaster declarations due to dry summer conditions. This declaration gives producers in these counties and those in contiguous counties access to USDA-FSA emergency loans.

a grub on a tree branch that has the bark pealed off

Sioux Falls to Host Emerald Ash Borer Tree Injection Workshop

April 21, 2021

As the season for emerald ash borer treatments nears in South Dakota, state forestry experts want applicators in the Sioux Falls area to be prepared.

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

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: April 22, 2021

It was another cool week without a lot of degree day accumulations. With warmer temperatures in the upcoming forecast, the need to scout for alfalfa weevil activity will increase.

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

Common Stalk Borer Activity Estimate: April 22, 2021

In its early vegetative growth stages, corn is susceptible to feeding by the common stalk borer. The hatching and movement of common stalk borer caterpillars can be estimated by using degree days.

Photo of corn planted two weeks apart. Early planted corn on the left much larger than the later planted corn on the right.

How Early Is Too Early to Plant Row Crops?

Although it can be tempting to get a head start with row crops, it is important to be mindful of soil temperatures and the associated risks with planting early.