Content by Adam Varenhorst

Caterpillar with brown and black stripes running down the length of its body. The caterpillar has a tan head and is feeding on green plant material.

Army Cutworms Are Active in South Dakota Wheat

Army cutworm caterpillar activity in winter wheat was detected a couple of weeks ago in South Dakota. Forecasted warmer temperatures will make conditions favorable for army cutworms to start feeding.

Color-coded drought monitor map of South Dakota. As of March 22, northwest to southeast South Dakota are facing severe drought to abnormally dry conditions, while the northeast is under normal conditions.

Agronomic Considerations for Moisture Deficit Conditions

The current soil moisture stress in South Dakota could be more pronounced than we have seen in last few years. If this continues, cropping decisions may need to be adjusted for the upcoming growing season.

Three grain bins on the edge of a snow-covered field.

Forecasted Cold Temperatures Can Be Used To Cool Down Stored Grain

If temperatures are forecasted as being well below freezing, it would probably be a good time to start thinking about cooling stored grain. Cooling grain reduces the activity of stored grain insect pests and suppresses any mold growth that may otherwise occur.

Orange larvae on discolored soybean stem.

Soybean Gall Midge in South Dakota

Fact sheet about soybean gall midge in South Dakota

Elongate, reddish-brown beetle on a white background.

Foreign Grain Beetles in New Construction

As new homes are constructed around South Dakota, we continually receive questions about small, brown insects showing up in bathrooms and basements. These insects are foreign grain beetles.

Dectes Stem Borer in Soybean

Although Dectes stem borers are more of an issue in South Dakota sunflower, they can also infest soybean. Thier larvae may cause soybean yield losses due to their feeding activity in the pith of the stem and also due to late-season lodging.

Rows of empty white, plastic pesticide containers.

Chlorpyrifos Tolerances Revoked by U.S. Evironmental Protection Agency

In August 2021, a final rule was released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for the insecticide active ingredient chlorpyrifos. The rule revoked all tolerances for chlorpyrifos.

Green and brown grasshopper with two yellow lines that originate on the head and meet on the abdomen.

Grasshoppers in Gardens

Due to large populations and dry conditions, grasshoppers are moving into gardens and feeding on whatever they can find. In a normal year, grasshoppers can be a nuisance in a garden, but during an outbreak year, they can present a real threat to gardens, shrubs and small trees.

Brown beetle with hairy body and black mottled pattern on a pink flower petal.

Bumble Flower Beetles Are Here

One of the insects that starts to attract attention this time of year are the bumble flower beetles. These large and noisy beetles somewhat resemble June beetles, but they show up later in the season.

Best Management Practices for Sunflower Production

This is your unbiased, research-based guide to sunflower production, providing the latest recommendations to help increase yield, reduce input costs and protect your investment.