Forage

All Forage Content

close-up view of sorghum plants in a field

SDSU Extension co-hosting a Forage Field Day near Beresford

June 23, 2023

South Dakota State University Extension, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension, the Northern Plains Forage Association and I-29 Moo University will co-host a Forage Field Day in August.

A group of people stand in a field with a combine in the background

South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm to host Field Day on July 13

June 21, 2023

The South Dakota State University Northeast Research Farm Field Day will be held on July 13 at 4 p.m. and will run until dusk.

A man with a microphone speaks to a small group of people standing in a field under a blue tent.

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm hosts Field Day on June 29

June 16, 2023

South Dakota State University’s Dakota Lakes Research Farm (DLRF) will host its annual field day on June 29, 2023. The field day will begin at 3:00 PM (CST) and run until dark.

Gray beetle on a green alfalfa leaf.

Blister Beetles Are Active in South Dakota

A common pest of alfalfa, blister beetles pose serious health risks to livestock if their bodies are consumed along with alfalfa bales. Learn some important considerations for identifying and managing blister beetles before harvesting alfalfa this growing season.

Greenish brown bugs on a white sweep net cloth.

Alfalfa Plant Bugs Showing Up in Abundance

Several insect pests have been showing up early in alfalfa this season, including the alfalfa plant bug. Learn how to identify, scout, and manage this pest before it impacts your alfalfa yields.

Numerous nymph grasshoppers feeding on corn.

Large Grasshopper Populations Detected in South Dakota

Very large populations of grasshoppers have been detected in southeastern South Dakota. Although these grasshoppers aren’t causing serious defoliation in crops yet, there is the possibility that they will as the season progresses.

Young wheat plants showing early symptoms of drought stress.

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.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 1, 2023

Throughout much of the state, enough degree days have accumulated for alfalfa weevil larvae to begin pupating. Scouting should continue until larvae are not observed.

Small pale green leafhopper on a green alfalfa leaf.

Potato Leafhoppers Arriving Early This Season

Potato leafhoppers are already active in alfalfa due to prevalent south winds and above-average temperatures. Learn some tips for scouting and managing them before they impact yields.

Green beetle larvae with a white stripe running down its body.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 25, 2023

Last week we confirmed both alfalfa weevil adult and larval activity in alfalfa. Scouting should continue, as the forecasted warm weather will promote alfalfa weevil larvae feeding.