Drought: Crops

All Drought: Crops Content
Dying patch of soybeans in an otherwise healthy field.

Scout Soybean in Drought-Affected Fields for Twospotted Spider Mites

One of the pests that typically shows up during drought conditions is the twospotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae). Infestations of this pest were recently confirmed in Eastern South Dakota soybean and corn.

High tunnel covered with shade cloth with larkspurs growing in it.

Heat and Drought Effects on Cut Flower Production

Climate factors, such as drought and high temperatures, continue to pose serious challenges for specialty crop production, including cut flowers. With these challenges, farms need to take a hard look at both their business strategies and production decisions.

A close-up shot of big round bales of hay

Drought Emergency Order Provides Flexibility for Forage Transportation

The recent extension of the State of South Dakota’s Drought Emergency Executive Order will provide livestock producers with flexibility to transport harvested forage. The order allows qualifying producers and commercial haulers to continue transporting oversized loads of baled livestock feed under emergency permitting provisions.

an image of outdoor weather monitoring equipment in a field

Climate and Weather

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

White beef cow.

Feeding Drought-Stressed Corn to Livestock

Drought-stressed corn can remain a valuable forage resource when harvested and stored appropriately. Successful utilization depends on careful management, including harvesting at the proper moisture content, achieving adequate packing density, and excluding oxygen during storage.

White cow in winter pasture.

Using Drought-Stressed Corn as Forage

Drought-stressed corn is a common challenge during dry growing seasons, but it does not necessarily result in a total loss of feed value. With proper harvest and storage management, drought-damaged corn can remain a useful and economical forage source.

Oats growing in a South Dakota field in late July.

Annual Forage Rainfall Index Insurance: A Risk Management Tool for South Dakota Producers

Drought remains a recurring challenge for South Dakota livestock and forage producers. Annual Forage Rainfall Index insurance is one tool that may help reduce the financial risk associated with below-average precipitation.

Green wheat with small mites present near the tips of the leaves.

Drought Stress in Wheat Leads to Increased Banks Grass Mite Activity

There have been reports of large populations of Banks grass mites in South Dakota wheat fields. Banks grass mite populations are more successful during hot, dry weather that also increases the susceptibility of wheat due to it being drought stressed.

Southwest view of pasture and range conditions at the Hermosa Mesonet station.

Climate and Drought Update: July 2026

On June 18, 2026, NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center released their latest climate outlook for July and the coming three-month season through September.

Weather station at the edge of a large, open pasture.

Drought

Stay ahead of drought impacts with SDSU Extension's timely climate updates, business insights and research-tested management tips.