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Dark colored caterpillar feeding on wheat head.

Scout for True Armyworms in Oats and Wheat

During most years, we start worrying about true armyworm activity in wheat fields in mid-July. However, the strong southerly winds that we experienced during the last two weeks pushed several insect pests north ahead of their normal schedule

A brown and black cow standing in a feedlot with flies on its face.

Summer Fly Control in Feedlots

Just as longer days mark the beginning of summer, so does the arrival of increased number of flies in feedlots. Flies are not only are an annoyance, they can reduce performance and worsen heat stress. Successful control strategies start with sanitation.

A holstein dairy cow with several flies on its face.

Fly Population Management on Dairies

Fly control on dairies is an important pest management consideration that impacts the bottom line by affecting overall animal productivity and health.

Green canola plants infested with false chinch bugs with dying leaves.

False Chinch Bugs Are Active in Canola

We have received reports of false chinch bug populations in canola this week. Heavily infested canola fields will sometimes appear drought stressed, but closer inspection reveals that false chinch bugs are the culprits for the wilting plants.

An adult, brown-to-black millipede feeding on a green leaf.

Millipedes May Be Responsible for Reduced Soybean Stands in 2020

When we think of millipedes, it is usually as a nuisance pest indoors. However, there have been reports in South Dakota and neighboring states of millipedes being more than just a nuisance in 2020.

Small, green soybean aphids on a green, soybean stem with pink flower.

Don’t Get Surprised. Start Scouting for Soybean Aphids.

Soybean aphid populations have been observed in neighboring states and in very small populations in South Dakota. It is a good reminder that soybean aphid scouting should occur throughout the growing season to prevent population outbreaks and yield loss.

Woody looking zucchini plant stem.

Watch Your Squash! Squash Vine Borer Moths Are Active.

Each year vine crops, including squash, zucchini and pumpkin plants, fall victim to squash vine borer larvae feeding inside their stems.

A patty of dung with several holes in it and grass growing through it. It has been broken down by dung beetles.

Dung Beetles and Other Insects Can Help Breakdown Dung and Control Pests

This article summarizes findings related to dung beetle ecology and how dung beetles advance the breakdown of dung pats.

A male and femail dung beetle rolling a ball of dung in a pasture. Courtesy: Beverly Skinner/USFWS (CC BY 2.0)

Managing Livestock for Dung Beetles and Other Beneficial Species

South Dakota researchers have taken a closer look at the function of dung beetles in Eastern South Dakota over the last few years. This article summarizes findings related to management of livestock grazing and chemical pesticides in relation to dung beetle and insect community health.

Green caterpillar with light colored stripe on back. Caterpillar is feeding on green plant.

Monitor Soybean and Sunflower for Alfalfa Webworm Caterpillars

In the last couple of weeks, we have received numerous reports of small green caterpillars in soybean and sunflower. The caterpillars have been described as producing webbing and moving extremely quickly when disturbed.