Content by Connie Strunk

two people holding hands

SDSU Extension offers virtual suicide prevention training for farm families

November 05, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension is offering virtual suicide prevention training for farm families called Questions, Persuade, Refer (QPR).

Sprayer applying pesticides to a field.
Feb 26

Commercial Applicator Training @ Ft. Pierre

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Ft. Pierre at the AmericInn by Wyndham (312 Island Dr, Ft. Pierre SD 57532) on February 26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. CST.

Sprayer in a field with a blue sky and wispy clouds on the horizon
Apr 15

Private Applicator Training for Crops

SDSU Extension will host a free private applicator training for crops on April 15, 2026, from 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. CT (12:30 - 3:30 p.m. MT). Participants have the option to attend online or at various locations across the state.

Dried corn growing in a field with visible damage and molding.

Mycotoxins: Should you be concerned?

Environmental stress caused by the weather or damaged crops increases the potential for mold and mycotoxin development. Learn some answers to common questions about mycotoxins and how to manage them.

A corn leaf is shown

SDSU Extension to host corn disease scouting workshop

September 23, 2025

South Dakota State University Extension will host a scouting session for corn diseases confirmed in the state this season.

A green corn leaf with yellow to brown spots throughout.

Corn Disease Update: September 2, 2025

As of September 2, 2025, a number of corn diseases have been reported and confirmed throughout South Dakota. View our latest findings as we approach the fall harvest season.

Coneflower with Aster yellows disease.

Aster Yellows Phytoplasma

Aster yellows is a phytoplasmal disease carried and introduced by aster leafhopper. It is known to infect over 80 different plant families, as the aster leafhopper has extremely broad feeding habits.

Corn leaf samples with Southern Rust and Tar Spot.

Corn Diseases in South Dakota Update

Several South Dakota counties have confirmed positive cases of Southern Rust and Tar Spot this growing season. See our latest recommendations for dealing with these diseases before they become a problem.

Green wheat leaves with yellow streaks throughout.

Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus Complex: Breaking the Green Bridge

As wheat harvest proceeds, it won’t be long until winter wheat planting is underway in South Dakota. To effectively reduce wheat streak mosaic virus, it is important to manage the green bridge effect to slow spread of disease in newly emerging wheat fields.

Corn field with severe wind and hail damage.

Are Fungicides Needed On Hail-Damaged Crops?

Recent storms brought rain, severe wind, and hail. With the hail and wind damage that occurred, many growers are wondering if a fungicide application is needed to protect their hail or wind-damaged crops.