Forage
All Forage Content
Leafy Spurge: Do I spray now or wait until fall?
In June, leafy spurge is one of our most problematic rangeland, pasture, and roadside weeds. It is also one of South Dakota’s noxious weeds that landowners are required by law to control. So should you spray it now or wait until fall?
Grasshoppers Are Showing up in Large Numbers in Eastern South Dakota
While scouting spring wheat in Brookings County this week, we noticed grasshopper nymph populations that were close to threshold.
Survey of Grasshoppers in South Dakota
Fact sheet on the abundance and species diversity of grasshoppers in South Dakota
Monitor Alfalfa for Pea Aphid Activity
Pea aphids can cause yield reductions to alfalfa when large populations are present. Prolonged feeding by these populations can even cause the alfalfa fields to take on a “golden” color.
Alfalfa Weevil Populations Rapidly Increasing in Western South Dakota and Starting to Show up in Eastern South Dakota This Week
Recent degree day accumulations for alfalfa weevils in western South Dakota would suggest that alfalfa weevil larvae activity should be wrapping up for the 2025 season. However, recent scouting of alfalfa suggests otherwise.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 29, 2025
The lowest calculated degree days in South Dakota indicate that fourth instar larvae should be active, while the highest calculated degree days suggest that pupation is occurring in the field.
Alfalfa Weevils Are Active in Some Parts of South Dakota
Degree day accumulations indicate that alfalfa weevil larvae should be active throughout South Dakota.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: May 22, 2025
Degree day accumulations for alfalfa weevil larvae indicate that third to fourth instar larvae should be active in fields throughout South Dakota.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity Prediction Update: June 5, 2024
Although the degree day estimates suggest that alfalfa weevils are no longer active in the fields and should be pupating, scouting has indicated otherwise.
Alternative Forage Options During Dry Times
Although 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.