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A sprawling, planted field with young crops emerging

Crop Rotation in Farm Management 

Crop rotation has long been considered an important farm practice. In 2013 producers had to stray from their well thought out crop rotations when the winter wheat crop in South Dakota failed.

Winter wheat emerging from a planted field.

Double-Crop after Wheat?

Two crops in one year may sound tempting, and for some crop species is possible, but before doing so, producers should consider possible crops and compare the potential benefits with the drawbacks.

Spring wheat field with wheat emerging in early spring.

Latest Recommended Planting Dates for Spring Wheat in South Dakota

A major question that producers have been asking is, “How late can wheat be planted in South Dakota without a significant reduction in yield potential?” See our latest recommendations for those considering late planting this May.

green leafy plants

Soybean Vein Necrosis Virus Detected in South Dakota Soybeans

A new soybean virus called Soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV) was detected in South Dakota soybean fields in Davison and Union counties. Symptomatic plants were sporadic and found along the field borders. Infected plants showed mild to moderate severity.

Green winter wheat field

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension will deliver a series of virtual Crop Hour webinars starting January 9 through March 7, 2024, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. CST.

Mixed group of cattle in a winter pasture.

Ready, Set, Manage Hay Differently

Feed is expensive and sometimes hard to find. Pasture prices, harvest expenses, hauling and waste add to the total feed bill. Evaluate your forage situation this winter and make changes that improve your profitability.

Three grain bins on the edge of a snow-covered field.

Forecasted Cold Temperatures Can Be Used To Cool Down Stored Grain

If temperatures are forecasted as being well below freezing, it would probably be a good time to start thinking about cooling stored grain. Cooling grain reduces the activity of stored grain insect pests and suppresses any mold growth that may otherwise occur.

A field of soybeans with leaves flipping upward.

Drought Stress Symptoms in Soybean

Soybeans in South Dakota are in their moisture-critical reproductive stage. Drought stress during this growth stage can significantly impact yield, so here are some things to look for.

A group of white, transparent, and orange colored larva on a soybean stem

Gall Midge Larvae in Soybean Stems

Gall midge larvae were observed recently in soybean stems from a field in South Dakota. These insects were found under the epidermis of the stem that was slightly above the soil line.

Green, teardrop shaped insects on a green leaf that has dark spots. Courtesy: Alton N. Spark Jr., University of Georgia, Bugwood.org.

Low-Level Aphid Populations Present in Wheat

Reports of aphid populations in wheat fields have been slowly increasing in the past week. Most of these populations are well below the economic threshold, but there is a potential for them to increase.