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Green and brown grasshoppers on the leaves of a sunflower plant.

Grasshoppers Already Moving Into Sunflower Fields

With grassland food sources being depleted earlier than usual due to drought, grasshoppers are moving into nearby crops in search of vegetation. In parts of western South Dakota, grasshopper nymphs have already been observed feeding on young sunflower plants.

Left: Large green leaves of hosta have white and yellow discoloration on the outside edge of the leaves. Right: A green pepper with a tan spot that appears mushy.

Leaf Scorch and Sunscald in the Garden

Long stretches of hot, dry weather will upset the growing habits of all plants and will lead to some unusual symptoms on leaves and produce in the garden. July and August are a prime time to watch for leaf scorch and sunscald.

Hand examining drought-stressed soybeans in the field.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Soybeans as Feed

One of the more popular questions we’ve been receiving lately involves using soybeans as forage. Although the soybeans planted for grain are not typically bred for forage use, we can salvage the crop for said forage if need be.

What’s Important to Know About Silage Additives & Inoculants?

Corn is suited to preservation as silage. Silage additives can be used to remedy deficiencies such as lack of sufficient population of bacteria to support adequate fermentation, and low levels of fermentable carbohydrates.

Hail-damaged soybean field with storm clouds in the background.

Making the Best of Hail-Damaged Row Crops

Late-season hail damage can leave growers wondering what to do next. Before deciding what to do with your hail-damaged fields, take some time to consider a variety of management options.

Renew Your Lawn This Fall With Overseeding

Overseeding your lawn is a smart maintenance procedure and a great way to renew your lawn after periods of drought. Fall timing gives you the best conditions for new grass to grow and thrive.

Rolling, drought-stressed pasture with new, green growth emerging in early fall.

Be Careful Grazing the Green this Fall

With fall grazing on the horizon, nearly all of South Dakota is still experiencing drought conditions. Regardless of where your ranch is located, a rancher must be very careful when grazing the fall green-up of cool-season grasses.

Stream running through West River South Dakota rangeland.

Water Rights in a Time of Drought

During a drought, it is not surprising that the South Dakota Water Rights Program will see an increase in permit applications. In South Dakota, water is considered the property of the people of the state, and depending on your intended water use, a water right permit may be needed.

Drought and Heat Effects on Corn Production

Nearly every season in South Dakota there are periods of hot, dry weather in at least parts of the state. While we have no control over the weather, producers can prepare for drought stress by using proactive practices.

A reddish brown calf with a white face grazing in a snow covered pasture

Opportunities for Swath Grazing in South Dakota

Fact sheet on the opportunities for Swath Grazing in South Dakota