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Growing Soybeans

All Growing Soybeans Content

A pod sprouting from a healthy soybean plant.

Late-Season Nitrogen For Soybean?

Some South Dakota soybean fields that were planted early and have had sufficient moisture have reached early pod setting stage (R3) and are looking good.

soybean pods

New Multi-State Extension Publication: Managing Insecticide-Resistant Soybean Aphids

The first pyrethroid resistant soybean aphids were reported in Minnesota in 2015. Since then, pyrethroid resistant soybean aphids have been reported in Iowa, North Dakota, and South Dakota. In an effort to address resistance, researchers from those states have put together a new extension publication.

large multi-row sprayer adding chemicals to a field

All Straight Dicamba Products Now Restricted Use in South Dakota

Starting April 30, 2018 all dicamba products that are not a mixture but instead straight dicamba are restricted use in South Dakota. This will mean all applicators will need to keep spray records of use and place of application.

Green soybean plant with holes on the leaves (indicated by red arrows) caused by bean leaf beetle feeding.

Scout Soybeans for Bean Leaf Beetle Feeding

We are receiving numerous reports and also observing very large bean leaf beetle populations this year. As a result, there is also a lot of concern about soybean defoliation due to the emergence and subsequent feeding by the overwintering adult population.

Yellow and black beetle on green soybean leaf.

Watch for Bean Leaf Beetles

Some soybean in South Dakota has emerged and it is already being attacked by early-season bean leaf beetles. So far, observations of adult bean leaf beetles emerging from fields and defoliation of soybean have been in Southeastern South Dakota.

A young man in a gray shirt and white cap scouting a soybean field for soybean aphids.

Should I Spray for Soybean Aphids? What’s the Threshold?

Although many soybean fields are behind schedule, so are the soybean aphid populations. In many reported areas, there are hotspots within a field where a few soybean plants may be heavily infested.

A red, tractor-mounted sprayer with its tank being flushed by a hose connected to a large truck.

Alternatives to Postemergence Dicamba Applications

Cancellations of three dicamba labels on June 6, 2020 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, left many farmers looking for options for effective weed control this summer.

Small white maggot next to a brown pill shaped pupa. Both a on soil with a yellow tape measure behind them

Watch for Seedcorn Maggots in Emerging Soybean

Of all of the potential early season pests, the seedcorn maggot is rarely an issue in South Dakota. However, we have started receiving reports of soybean fields that have poor emergence or seedling stand reductions occurring.

a map showing the precipitation outlook for June 2020

Summer 2020 Climate & Drought Outlook

August 12, 2020

With alternating cool and warm weather patterns throughout the last few months and the summer season ahead, temperature continues to be a challenge for climate forecasters in South Dakota.

A healthy, growing soybean field. Farmyard in the background.

Soybean Growers Sought for On-Farm Research Program

We want you! SDSU Extension and the South Dakota Soybean Research and Promotion Council are seeking South Dakota Soybean Growers willing to participate in a farmer-led on-farm research program.