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![A sump pump and emergency backup battery set up in a basement. Courtesy: Jeff Covey (CC BY-SA 2.0)](/sites/default/files/2020-04/W-00541-00-flooding-sump-pump-basement.jpg)
Flooding and Sump Pumps
For many homes with a basement or crawl space, a sump pump and drainage system can help reduce the risk of a basement flooding from high water table situations. Here are a few tips for making sure your sump pump is working as it should, and you are not causing problems for your neighbors downstream.
![corn field with sunrise in the background](/sites/default/files/2018-11/01-02-01-teaser-Corn.jpg)
2019 Corn Fungicide Field Trials Summary
This document contains results of corn field trials conducted during the 2019 growing season to evaluate foliar fungicides to manage various corn diseases.
![a map of the United States with different colors showing the precipitation outlook variations.](/sites/default/files/2019-09/W-00405-01-precip-map.gif)
Fall Frost and September Climate Outlook for 2019
September 2019 has been pleasantly warmer than usual, and our crops need every bit of that warmth to reach maturity before our first frost arrives. Fortunately, temperatures have cooled slightly this week but just to near average for this time of year.
![A group of brown cattle foraging in a green field.](/sites/default/files/2019-09/W-00412-00-beef-cattle-grazing-forage-prussic-acid.jpg)
Prussic Acid Poisoning
As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.
Multi-Species Grazing as an Alternative to Pasture Spraying
Broadacre spraying of pastures is intended to reduce undesirable plants and increase grasses for livestock. This practice often results in unintended consequences, including damage and reduction of native forbs and reduced profitability. One approach to managing perceived “weedy” plants is incorporating different species of livestock into a grazing operation.
![A patch of western wheatgrass with ergot fungus growing throughout.](/sites/default/files/2019-10/W-00423-02-ergot-fungus-wheat-grass-western.jpg)
Ergot in Western Wheatgrass and the Potential Effects for Winter Grazing
2019 has been a year fraught with challenges for ranchers across South Dakota. Abundant precipitation is usually a blessing, however, wet conditions coupled with a cool spring followed by warmer temperatures has caused another problem across the rangelands of South Dakota: ergot poisoning.
![A map of South Dakota with several colored boxes indicating areas of increased flood risk. For a complete description, visit the National Weather Service website at: https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/long_range.php?wfo=fsd](/sites/default/files/2020-03/W-00497-01-figure-flood-risk-map_0.jpg)
Get to Know Your Local Emergency Management Director
The warmer weather and spring migration this March have us all thinking of better days ahead. Unfortunately, it also has us thinking about flooding again this spring.
![Three children washing their hands together in a bathroom sink.](/sites/default/files/2020-03/W-00499-00-family-children-hand-washing-safety.jpg)
How to Talk to Your Kids About COVID-19
Parents, it is important to talk to your children about what COVID-19 is and why it is a pandemic so they understand the cancellations and changes in their daily routines. Here are some tips from the CDC to help you talk to your children and how much information to expose them to.
![Assorted medical equipment for at-home diabetes testing and care.](/sites/default/files/2020-03/W-00507-00-Diabetes-Care-Health.jpg)
Diabetes and COVID-19
If you are at higher risk of contracting COVID-19, it is important to take actions to reduce your chance of getting sick. Those at higher risk, including older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease, are encouraged to get ready now!
![Freezer meals Plastic bags and containers with frozen vegetables in refrigerator](/sites/default/files/2019-10/P-00136-teaser_0.jpg)
Freeze Now, Eat Later! Freezer Meal Workshop
Freezer meals provide families with the option to have a home cooked meal with minimal effort on busy days.