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Ticks Becoming Active in South Dakota
The arrival of spring in South Dakota means warmer weather and more outdoor activities. However, it also brings an increase in tick activity.
Black Grass Bug Activity Expected in Coming Weeks
Spring green-up is the time to be watching for black grass bug activity. Large populations of this early-season pest can cause severe damage to pasture (up to 90% forage reduction) and infest the edges of wheat fields.
Meat Inspection in South Dakota: Requirements and Resources for Processing and Selling Meat
If you are considering marketing your animals directly to consumers it is important to understand the inspection requirements for selling meat directly to consumers.
Farmers Markets and COVID-19
Farmers markets are a very important sector in South Dakota. The COVID-19 pandemic has raised a great deal of concern on trying to keep these markets open, while providing a safe environment for consumers to shop. This article is a guide to help farmers markets set up their operation in a manner that will best protect consumers and allow for continuation of operations.
Wasp Activity Is Ramping Up
With their distinctive black and yellow stripes and tendency to hang out in groups, wasps receive attention no matter the time of year. As the weather warms up and spring progresses, you may notice more wasp activity in your yard or around your house.
At-Home Hog Slaughter
One option to address supply chain disruptions is to butcher pigs at home.
Pork Carcass Fabrication: Primal and Retail Cuts
This article is intended to provide guidance on the proper techniques for fabricating a pork carcass at home.
Pork Carcass Fabrication: Packaging and Meat Safety
This article is intended to provide guidance on the proper techniques for packaging meat and storing meat at home.
No, It’s Not a Murder Hornet.
By now, you’ve probably read headlines about the Asian giant hornets (aka “murder hornets”) that were spotted in Washington state and across the border in Canada. It is important to note that Asian giant hornets have only been confirmed in a small area of Washington and Canada. These wasps have not been observed in South Dakota or our neighboring states.
A fly? A hornet? Nope, it’s a sawfly!
This spring, there have been multiple reports of people seeing large fly-like insects in their yards. These insects are sawflies, and all reports thus far have been the elm sawfly (Cimbex americana).