Forage

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 19, 2023

Forecasted weather conditions are ideal for alfalfa weevil activity, and early detection of feeding activity will prevent extensive defoliation.

Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 15, 2023

During the last week, the entire state reached enough degree days to have active alfalfa larvae. In areas with the highest accumulation of degree days, alfalfa should be scouted to ensure that alfalfa weevils don’t cause extensive defoliation.