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Managing Livestock for Dung Beetles and Other Beneficial Species
South Dakota researchers have taken a closer look at the function of dung beetles in Eastern South Dakota over the last few years. This article summarizes findings related to management of livestock grazing and chemical pesticides in relation to dung beetle and insect community health.
Check Fields for Palmer Amaranth
Palmer amaranth, is an aggressive weed from the pigweed family, which has been reported with increasing frequency in recent years around Central South Dakota.
Managing Through Feed Supply Disruptions
August 10, 2020
One of the latest issues to result from the COVID-19 pandemic is the changes in the distillers grain marketplace.
Protein Supplementation Options With Grazing Cattle
COVID-19 and the energy economy has had a dramatic negative impact on the ethanol industry, resulting in limited availability of corn distiller’s grains. This has changed availability and pricing of protein feeds.
Changes in Pesticide Applicator Certification During COVID-19
April 27, 2020
Due to office closures as a result of COVID-19, commercial pesticide applicator testing is currently unavailable at the SDSU Extension Regional Centers and county offices.
Methods to Slow Finishing Pig Growth
In abnormal situations, like with the packing plant closure we’re currently dealing with, pork producers may need to “hold” their pigs past normal marketing dates in order for other processing options to open up. We can accomplish that in two ways: altering internal barn environment and changing diets.
Evaluating Feedstuffs on Nutrient Cost-Comparison Basis
Feed costs in dairy diets typically make up half or more of the input expenses of a ration. Thus, it is imperative to keep a handle on input costs by comparing ingredients on an apples-to-apples basis when looking for cost-effective diet solutions.
Temperature and Herbicide Performance
In South Dakota, the spring can come with a wide range of temperature fluctuations. This will affect the performance of burndown herbicides. Depending upon the target weed, type of herbicide and application rate, there will likely be decreased weed control in cooler temperatures.
How to Stop Drift
The goals of applying any crop protection products include: increasing effectiveness, mitigating drift, and maximizing profits. We will focus on mitigating drift, even though all three interact with each other.
Checking Weed Control at Harvest
With harvest now in full swing, don’t forget to look at your fall weed control. What are the weeds that are left in your crop? Do you know what weeds they are? Is there a weed that you do not know?