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partially flooded spring wheat field in early spring.

Spring Wheat 2019: A Repeat of Last Year?

The spring of 2019 has been cold and wet in many areas of South Dakota, similar to the spring of 2018. In 2018, despite the challenging weather, spring wheat acres were up 8% from 2017. However, planted acres in 2019 may be reduced as the extended weather forecast shows unfavorable planting conditions extending well into May.

a winter wheat field greening up in early spring

Winter Survival and Spring Stand Counts in Winter Wheat

Every winter, growers are curious if their wheat field will survive the winter. Not enough snow cover during the coldest days, spring flooding, and ice injury are the main reasons for plants to die. The only way to get a true assessment of winter survival is to scout the field in the spring.

a flooded wheat field with some emerging wheat plants.

Wet Feet in Wheat

Given the widespread wet conditions present this spring, there are many areas in winter wheat fields with both ponding and saturated (or waterlogged) soils. Producers may want to consider soil conditions and evaluate extended weather forecasts when deciding whether or not to retain a winter wheat this spring.

Map of United States with green areas favored to be wetter than average and tan areas favored to be drier than average.

May 2019 Climate Outlook: April Showers Bring May Showers?

The precipitation outlook for May does not show much promise of relief from moisture, as wetter than average conditions are slightly more favored than drier conditions. In addition, cooler than average temperatures are more likely for the first half of May and could continue for much of the month.

A map of South Dakota with yellow and green circles indicating iverson risks at various locations throughout the state.

Use the SD Spray Tool for Inversion Detection and Weather for Pesticide Application

The SD Mesonet Spray Tool provides real-time weather data for pesticide applicators. This dedicated website for pesticide applicators uses the SD Mesonet weather data, which is updated every five minutes.

Color-coded map of the United States indicating predicted precipitation for July 2019. South Dakota is set to experience above normal precipitation.

July 2019 Climate Outlook: Challenges Continue

This year’s seasonal pattern of wetter than average conditions is projected to continue through July and the rest of the summer season. The latest climate outlook, released June 20, 2019, shows an increased chance of wetter than average conditions in the next one to three months for the state of South Dakota.

A color-coded map of South Dakota. The majority of the map is green, with a small patch of yellow and some specs of red in the East, South Central part of the state.

Use the Scab and Leaf Disease Forecasting Tools to Decide on Fungicide Application in Wheat

Fungicide application in winter wheat has consistently shown to prevent yield loss caused by fungal diseases. However, in some cases, a fungicide application may not always result in a profitable yield when disease pressure is low. Disease forecasting tools can aid fungicide application decisions and hence improve on the profitability of fungicide application.

Several small green insects on a plant leaf.

Cool, Wet Weather Affects Insect Populations

Spring and early summer can been cool and wet in South Dakota. The extra moisture combined with cooler temperatures can sometimes encourage rapid growth of some insects.

A bushy, brown to green plant with white flowers blooming throughout

May Showers Bring Spring Flowers

May is the month when our gardens, trees and shrubs really start to take off. It is an exciting time for all of us to see the color green again showing up throughout our yards and gardens.

man watering newly planted tree with yellow bucket

Tree Watering Tips for Drought Conditions

There is no precise recipe for how much and how often trees should be watered during a drought. However, there are a few guidelines to follow.