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Young woman applying insect repellant before an evening hike.

Enjoying the Outdoors Without Tick and Mosquito Bites

Outdoor activities seem extra inviting this time of year, and many people are already enjoying the long days and warmer temperatures. Ticks and mosquitoes share the outdoors with us, but there are things you can do to prevent bites from both.

Mosquito resting on a dandelion seed head.

West Nile Virus Update: Sept. 17, 2021

The South Dakota Department of Health's latest update indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Beadle, Brookings, Brown, Codington, Hand, Hughes, Lincoln and Minnehaha counties in South Dakota.

Field with extensive injury caused by fall armyworm caterpillars.

Fall Armyworm Caterpillars Causing Issues in South Dakota

This week we started to receive reports of pastures and alfalfa stands that have been heavily fed on by fall armyworm caterpillars. Typically, these pests are not an issue in South Dakota. However, populations have been very large in many states during 2021, and they have now moved into South Dakota.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

Will Grasshoppers Be an Issue in 2021?

With much of South Dakota experiencing dry conditions this year, grasshoppers are one of the insect pests that will need to be monitored. Large grasshopper populations may cause economic loss in cash crops and reduce forage in range and pasture lands.

Mosquito resting on a dandelion seed head.

West Nile Virus Update: Aug. 2, 2021

As of Aug. 2, 2021, the South Dakota Department of Health indicated that West-Nile-virus-positive mosquitoes were detected in Brookings, Codington, Hughes, Lincoln and Brown counties in South Dakota.

Green beetles feeding on the tip of a corn ear.

Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota

Fact sheet on Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota

sunflower field

Best Management Practices for Sunflower Production

This is your unbiased, research-based guide to sunflower production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.

2022 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame Awardee with family.

South Dakota 4-H Recognizes Volunteers during the 2022 State Fair

October 19, 2022

South Dakota 4-H inducted nine individuals into to the 4-H Volunteer Hall of Fame and 4-H Shooting Sports Volunteer Hall of Fame on Sunday, Sept. 4, at the 2022 South Dakota State Fair in Huron, South Dakota.

Youth being fitted with a bike helmet.

4-H Bike Rodeo and Safety

Overview document including complete lesson plans for a 4-H Bike Rodeo and Safety program to make youth aware of the importance of riding their bike.

Monarch butterfly collecting pollen on a blazing star plant.

Understanding the Critical Role of Broadleaf Pollinator Plants in Pastures

Understanding the economic role of pollinators is the first step towards understanding their diverse values to grassland and crop systems.