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A field of green winter wheat emerging from a layer of light snow.

Climate Adaptability of Winter Wheat

For most of us, wheat is wheat. However, there is a distinct difference between spring and winter wheat, even though the vegetative characteristics of these two wheat types are very similar.

green plant growing in a field with small grains growing on the ends

Proso Millet Trial Results

In 2020, proso millet trials were conducted in 1 location in South Dakota.

Young producers sampling produce outside a field with a young mother and her daughter.

Discussing Food and Agriculture in South Dakota: A Guide for Community Leaders

Food production and farming are issues that operate at the complex pivot point of where ecology and nature meet the marketplace and political systems. The way agriculturalists and communities handle their resources, both individually, and collectively, depends on their collective vision for the future.

a strand of oats in a field

2020 Plant Disease Summaries for Small Grains

A number of field trials were implemented in the 2020 growing season with the general objective of assessing various disease management practices suitable for South Dakota growers and the Great Plains.

Field with purple flax flowers

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops after Wheat

Fact sheet about herbicide residual effect on cover crops after wheat.

Producer unloading fresh, farm-grown produce from a delivery truck at a super market.

Requirements for Selling Food to Retail in South Dakota

Now more than ever, we are seeing food processors and entrepreneurs in South Dakota bringing their food products, not only to farmers markets, but also to retail stores. This article provides regulatory guidance and outlines the necessary steps required to allow for the sale of foods to retail stores.

Winter wheat emerging from a dry stand in early spring.

Assessing Winter Wheat Stand In the Spring

Overwintering of winter wheat starts in the late fall and is completed during spring regrowth. Factors, such as genetics, amount of snow cover and winter temperatures, can all play a significant role in winter survival of wheat crops.

Top: Army cutworm caterpillar. Bottom: Pale western cutworm caterpillar.

Monitor Wheat for Early-Season Cutworm Activity

It's finally warming up in South Dakota, and insect activity in wheat fields will be increasing. For wheat, a couple of early-season pests that may already be active are the army cutworm and the pale western cutworm.

Grain bin fan with a plywood cover installed on the exterior.

Check Your Bins This Spring

As it warms up this spring, don’t forget to check the bins. Grain bins work as solar heat collectors, and the grain inside of them may be much warmer than expected.

A farmer watching the sun rise in a bare, unplanted field.

Crop Tolerance to Soil Herbicide Residual

Some herbicides can persist in soil, especially dry soil. Herbicide carryover could be an issue in 2021 across the state depending upon last year’s moisture levels and field conditions.