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SDSU Releases Two New Spring Wheat Varieties

Two new spring wheat varieties, Forefront and Advance are being increased by South Dakota Foundation Seed Growers and will be available to everybody in 2013.

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The Small Grains Disease Forecasting System Could Save Producers Money

The South Dakota State University Small Grains Plant Pathology program has partnered with the Small Grains Plant Pathology program at North Dakota State University to deploy a small grains disease forecasting system for South Dakota. The system uses weather variables including rainfall, temperature, and relative humidity to predict the likelihood of disease development. This new tool has the potential to save growers money by helping them avoid unnecessary fungicide applications, or knowing when to apply a rescue fungicide treatment.

A field of emerging winter wheat in early spring.

Winter Wheat Planting Date Is Important

A five year study conducted in southwestern South Dakota evaluating seven winter wheat varieties over four planting dates from September 15 to November 1 showed that delayed planting decreases yields. The results determined that planting mid September to the first of October consistently had the highest grain yield over the duration of the experiment.

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.

Young wheat growing in a foggy field.

Dormant Seeding Wheat

Dormant seeding is when a crop is placed in a soil long before soil temperatures and/or moisture conditions are going to allow the seed to germinate and grow. This technique is commonly used for plants like native grasses and forbs. It is less common with grain crops.

A diagram with two winter wheat plots side-by-side.

The Difficulty in Winter Wheat Stand Assessments

From freak snow storms to sub-zero temperatures and on to a recent lack of moisture and a cool spring, the climate in South Dakota has left many winter wheat growers and agronomists wondering about the health of their stands.

A green combine harvesting wheat.

Factors Affecting Wheat Production Decisions: Producer survey findings

Recent USDA data shows that during the past 3 years acres devoted to wheat production continue declining in both South Dakota and North Dakota (USDA, 2018). South Dakota wheat acres experienced a remarkable decrease of 31.5% during the past 3 years, compared with a relatively mild drop of 16.4% by North Dakota.

A wheat field at sunset.

Water Use by Plant Stage

Over the growing season, solar radiation, air temperature and plant size are the dominant factors in determining evaporative demand and the rate of water use by wheat. Water use can vary dramatically on a day-to day basis, depending on climate and wheat health.

a field of wheat starting to grow

Split Application of Nitrogen in Winter Wheat

Adequate N early in the growing season is important to support healthy tillering and to give young plants the best opportunity to survive the sometimes-harsh South Dakota winter