Content by Adam Varenhorst

Keep an Eye on Black Grass Bugs This Spring
In South Dakota, black grass bugs are a common spring pest of forage grasses. This native insect first appears in late April and May when grasses emerge from dormancy.

South Dakota Grasshopper Prediction for 2024
In 2024, grasshoppers are likely to cause problems in areas of South Dakota due to large populations that were present in 2023 and the relatively late first hard freeze date observed in much of the state.

Organophosphate Insecticides Under Continual Review by the Environmental Protection Agency
Recent moves by the EPA to limit or prevent the use of organophosphate insecticides present challenges for growers seeking effective pest control. So, what is motivating these changes, and what do they mean for producers?

Chlorpyrifos Products Can be Used in 2024 for Insect Pest Management
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys recently announced that currently registered insecticide products with the active ingredient chlorpyrifos will be legal to use on labeled crops during the 2024 growing season.

Pesticide Mixing and Sprayer Calibration Equations
Pesticides need to be applied at proper rates to ensure effective control of the pest. Learn some common equations used to mix pesticides and calibrate sprayers.

A Few Considerations for Fall and Winter Grain Storage
Proper grain storage during fall and winter is essential to ensuring a successful harvest. Learn some expert tips for managing stored grain pests and maintaining an ideal bin environment for post-harvest grain storage.

Common Stored Grain Insect Pests
There are several species of insects that feed on stored grain, resulting in reduced grain quality. Learn how to identify some of the most-common grain pests that can be found in South Dakota.

The Handy Bt Trait Table: A tool to help select the right corn traits for your fields
Determining what Bt traits are in each corn trait package can be a challenging task. Fortunately, the process has been streamlined by the Handy Bt Trait Table, created by Chris DiFonzo at Michigan State University.

South Dakota Pest Management Guides
The South Dakota Pest Management guides are now available for free. The guides offer recommendations for controlling weeds, insects, and diseases in a variety of South Dakota crops.

Row Crop and Noxious Weed Surveys
Controlling noxious weeds and weeds in row crops is a challenge every year. SDSU Extension has created two online surveys to capture the current climate of weed control in South Dakota.