Skip to main content

Search

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of July 27, north-central South Dakota is facing extreme drought, while the rest of the state is under abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. A small portion of the southwest has adequate moisture.

Controlling Grasshoppers, Salvaging Drought Corn Kick Off August Drought Hours

August 04, 2021

According to the latest U.S. Drought Monitor, nearly 18% of the state is in Extreme Drought (D3), while another 70% follows as Severe Drought (D2).

Left: Fresh herbs preserved inside ice cubes. Right: Variety of fresh herbs hanging in bunches from a burlap string.

Preserving Herbs

Fresh herbs add amazing flavor to recipes during the summertime! Their great flavors can be carried over to cooler seasons through the preservation of the plants and leaves, and the two best ways to extend the life (and flavor) of herbs is through freezing or dehydrating.

Canning supplies arranged on a kitchen counter.

Canning With Less Sugar

As low and no-added-sugar food products have become increasingly popular, new alternative canning recipes have been created. It is possible to preserve fruits with little or no added sugar, which is great for those who prefer reduced calories.

Botulism testing supplies arranged in a lab.

Canners Beware: Botulism

Botulism is a serious, rare illness that is caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. Botulism is a concern when it comes to canning and fermenting foods, as the anaerobic conditions can cause the Clostridium botulinum spores to create a harmful toxin.

Low larkspur and twogrooved poisonvetch plants growing in rangeland.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Larkspur and Poisonvetch

Larkspurs are the second leading cause for all livestock deaths from toxic plant poisoning. Poisonvetches are considered accumulator plants that uptake excessive levels of selenium and cause toxicity problems in cattle.

A woman preparing a jar of pickled cucumbers in a kitchen.

Modifying Canning Recipes

Understanding how swapping ingredients, adding ingredients, increasing or decreasing ingredients and making changes to processing plays a vital role in ensuring that home-canned products are safe.

Two poisonous rangeland plants. Left: Woolly Locoweed.  Right: Lambert Crazyweed (Purple Locoweed).

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Locoweed and Crazyweed

Locoweed and crazyweed are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, and both can cause livestock poisoning.The names locoweed and crazyweed are often used interchangeably. However, there are notable differences between the species.

Three woody plants. From left: Ponderosa pine tree, chokecherry bush and greasewood.

Poisonous Plants on Rangelands: Woody Species

Several woody plant species that are poisonous to livestock are found throughout South Dakota rangelands, including ponderosa pine, chokecherry, greasewood and broom snakeweed.

Paul O. Johnson making notes about a field of corn

SDSU Extension to Tackle Weed, Pest and Drought Inquiries at State Fair

August 23, 2021

To address drought concerns, as well as weed and pest inquiries, South Dakota State University Extension will feature two booth locations at the 2021 South Dakota State Fair Sept. 2-6 in Huron.

Green beetles feeding on the tip of a corn ear.

Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota

Fact sheet on Northern and Western Corn Rootworm in South Dakota