Forage
All Forage Content
Learn about alfalfa weevil at Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting
November 17, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension encourages producers to attend the Northern Plains Forage Association annual meeting and seminars, which will feature forage-related education and research.
Forage Variety Trial Results
The 2025 Forage Variety Trial Results include data from different locations in South Dakota.
Yellow Toadflax Has Begun Producing Seeds: Scout before treating infested areas
Yellow toadflax is a perennial weed that infests pasture and rangeland across South Dakota. This year, with an abundance of heat and moisture, plants flowered in early August and now have started to produce seeds.
SDSU Extension welcomes new crop and livestock field specialist
September 12, 2025
South Dakota State University Extension is pleased to welcome Parker Witt as a new Crop and Livestock Field Specialist.
Prussic Acid Poisoning
As the first frost date approaches, producers often have concerns about the risk of prussic acid poisoning in livestock. Certain forage plants, especially sorghums and related species are associated with an increased risk of death loss because of prussic acid poisoning.
Grasshopper Populations Continue to Cause Issues in South Dakota
Recent reports of crop loss along field edges indicate that grasshopper populations in some areas of South Dakota are well above threshold. Unfortunately, crops are often the target of these moving populations.
Reports of Pyrethroid Failures for True Armyworm Caterpillar Management
True armyworm caterpillars reached thresholds in oats and wheat in many areas of South Dakota recently. Management efforts to reduce populations had varying levels of success, with SDSU Extension receiving numerous reports of pyrethroid insecticide failures.
White Thistle Disease: Biological management at work
White thistle disease can be seen among many Canada thistle plants throughout South Dakota this growing season. Plants infected with the disease exhibit significant reductions in both growth and seed head compared with non-infected plants.
Nitrate QuikTest for Forages
The Nitrate QuikTest for Forages is available at various SDSU Extension locations and veterinary clinics across the state and is designed to be used with standing forages prior to harvesting for hay or grazing.
Watch for Blister Beetles in Later Alfalfa Cuttings
The frequent rain events experienced this summer has helped boost forage production. Although this is great for growers, the possibility of encountering blister beetles at harvest increases later in the summer.