Pasture

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A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Black Grass Bugs May Cause Issues if Drought Persists

In western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

Map of South Dakota with green (zero to three grasshoppers), orange (four to seven grasshoppers), and red (8 or more grasshoppers) dots indicating grasshopper populations that were sampled in 2021. The north central region, west of the Missouri River, has the highest concentration of red and orange dots.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2022

Data from the 2021 USDA Adult Grasshopper Survey of South Dakota suggests that grasshopper populations may continue to be problem in parts of central and western South Dakota during the spring of 2022.

Ventenata grass aggresively spreading throughout rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Ventenata

Ventenata is an invasive annual grass that's an emerging threat to South Dakota rangelands due to its ability to exclude desired native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes a problem in your area.

Mottled brown grasshopper nymph sitting on a green leaf. Wing pads are easily observed in the image.

Grasshoppers Continue to Be an Issue During 2023

We have received numerous reports of very large populations of grasshopper nymphs in June. Before management action is taken, it is important to determine what stage observed grasshoppers are at.

Dense patch of brown, Medusahead grass on rangeland.

Be on the Lookout: Medusahead

Grassland managers are encouraged to be on the lookout for Medusahead, an invasive grass that can aggressively out-compete native species. Learn how to identify, report, and manage it before it becomes an issue.

A dense stand of tall, green bulbous bluegrass growing near a field.

Be on the Lookout: Bulbous Bluegrass

Bulbous bluegrass is a resilient, invasive grass that can tolerate a wide variety of environmental conditions. Learn how to identify and manage it before it impacts forage production.

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.

Tan grasshopper with light colored stripes on its back sitting on the soil surface.

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.

A small black bug with tan margins on its wings resting on a grass seed head.

Time to Start Scouting for Black Grass Bugs

In central and western South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring forage pest that can cause considerable damage during periods of drought. Learn how to monitor and manage this pest to protect your forages this spring.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.