Drought: Crops
All Drought: Crops Content

Silage: Minimizing Losses and Maximizing Value
Optimizing silage value starts by harvesting at the right moisture content.

Valuing Drought-Stressed Corn Silage
Salvaging failed crops as silage for livestock can be a “win-win” for both crop growers and livestock owners. Learn how you can use data to improve the odds of finding a value that is fair to both parties.

Black Grass Bugs May Cause Issues if Drought Persists
In western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2022
Data from the 2021 USDA Adult Grasshopper Survey of South Dakota suggests that grasshopper populations may continue to be problem in parts of central and western South Dakota during the spring of 2022.

Managing Cover Crops in Moisture Deficits
Planting cover crops after small grain harvest can be risky in central South Dakota. The decision to incorporate them into an annual cropping system should consider historical precipitation, soil water holding capacity, and soil moisture at time of planting.

Climate and Weather
View resources to predict, prepare and recover from weather-related events year-round, including the latest drought and flood information.

Alternative Forage Options During Drought
While there are many factors to take into consideration, annual forages and cover crops can be an excellent tool to boost forage production, reduce fallow acres, and enhance soil health during periods of drought.

Grasshoppers Continue to Be an Issue During 2023
We have received numerous reports of very large populations of grasshopper nymphs in June. Before management action is taken, it is important to determine what stage observed grasshoppers are at.

Salvaging Drought-Stressed Small Grains
South Dakota producers often must consider whether to abandon plans to harvest small grain as a cash crop and pivot to harvesting as forage. Learn some factors to keep in mind when evaluating salvage options.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2023
Grasshoppers can cause serious defoliation in forage, soybeans and corn throughout much of the growing season. See our activity predictions for the 2023 growing season based on the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture Adult Grasshopper Survey.