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Soil Testing for Vineyards in South Dakota
Not all soils are conducive to growing quality grapes, so prospective vineyard sites should be tested before a decision is made to plant grapes. Tests can identify soils that are either too high in pH, salts, or salinity, or that are “too rich” (too high in organic matter and nitrogen) for grapes. In addition, testing before planting allows for the incorporation of nutrients—such as phosphorus—that do not move easily through the soil to plant roots.
Overweight & Obesity: Leading Cancer Risk Factor
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a study that links overweight and obesity to 13 different types of cancers.
Keeping Your Financial Records Secure
When a family emergency or disaster occurs, having quick access to important financial documents is essential.
Communication: Importance of Social Support in Agriculture
Maintaining open communication and seeking social support can help producers get through difficult times.
Brain Health: The Impact of Chronic Stress
Stress affects everyone. Stress is your body’s response to a real or perceived harmful situation.
How did a Poultry Germ Change to Cause Severe Disease in Calves and People?
In 2015, a specific strain of a germ called Salmonella heidelberg made 56 people sick in 15 different states.
West Nile in South Dakota: Expect Cases Into Early Fall
While it’s true that in South Dakota most West Nile Virus cases occur during August, new human infections are detected well into September in most years.
Ages & Stages in the Garden: Ages 6-8
A garden can be used to teach many concepts to a board range of ages. When working with early elementary youth you will want to consider characteristics of their development when planning lessons and activities.
Pre-weaning Pneumonia in South Dakota Beef Herd: A Persistent Problem, Suddenly Gone
This case report describes a southeastern South Dakota cow-calf herd’s experiences with pre-weaning pneumonia. Unlike many beef herds that experience pneumonia in calves on pasture, this herd’s problems were consistent year after year: widespread calf illness was documented in each of 6 consecutive summers. Anecdotally at least, the occurrence of pre-weaning pneumonia in beef herds is more likely to be sporadic and unpredictable from year to year. This herd’s persistent problems were followed by a year in which, after a change in calf vaccination protocol (informed by herd diagnostics), very little pre-weaning pneumonia was observed.
Lawn Weed Control
Cultural weed control practices must be included in weed management programs to optimize control and inhibit re-infestation. A healthy, dense turf cover is the best overall defense against weed invasion. Some common cultural weed control practices include planting the most adapted turfgrass species for your environment (i.e. shade, full sun, or hot, dry conditions), maintaining a mowing height of 2.5–3.5 inches, watering deeply but less frequently, and proper soil maintenance including fertilization and core aerification.