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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.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of March 22, northwest to southeast South Dakota are facing severe drought to abnormally dry conditions, while the northeast is under normal conditions.

Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions

The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.

harvester chopping corn silage, depositing silage into green wagon.

Herbicide Residual Effects on Cover Crops after Corn Silage

Fact sheet about herbicide residual effect on cover crops after corn silage.

Producer and USDA agent reviewing CFAP 1.0 application.

USDA: CFAP 1 Program Payment Benefits to Producers

In examining the USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 1.0 website, we are able to directly see the impact of the program and the payments made to producers across the country.

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.

Female FSA employee reviewing paperwork with a male producer.

Counties Designated as Disaster Areas and Qualify for Other Programs

Five South Dakota counties have been given disaster declarations due to dry summer conditions. This declaration gives producers in these counties and those in contiguous counties access to USDA-FSA emergency loans.

Hand holding herbicide sprayer over vegetable garden.

Organic Herbicides: Garden and Flower Bed Weed Control

Many South Dakota homeowners do not want to use inorganic or synthetic herbicides due to potential health impacts. Organic herbicides can be a useful tool for weed control when combined with other management practices.

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.

Winter wheat plants at the tillering growth stage with leaves yellowing as a result of wheat streak mosaic virus infection.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Developing in Winter Wheat Fields

A few winter wheat fields in central South Dakota have been found with wheat streak mosaic disease. Incidence of this disease varied from a few plants to large portions of the field with yellowing leaves.