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Content by Philip Rozeboom

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

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.

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

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.

Field pennycress, common ragweed, and kochia weeds emerging in early spring.

Early Emerging Weeds and Effective Management

Managing early emerging weeds before crop planting or emergence is important to minimize early season competition, which can lower yield potential, even if the weeds are managed later in the season. Learn some tips for getting started.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency offices in Washington, D.C.

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?

Early emerging bull thistle and common mullein in the rosette stage.

Biennial Weed Species Have Started to Emerge

The warmer weather this year has caused some biennial weed species to emerge earlier than normal. Learn some management considerations for areas that have been historically infested with biennial weeds.

Producer loading pesticide into a sprayer tank.

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.

Kochia plants growing in a field.

Kochia Preplant Burndown Management for 2024

Kochia is a weed that impacts many South Dakota crops, and it can reduce yields significantly if not properly managed. Learn some expert tips using chemical, cultural, and mechanical tactics to control it.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

Dicamba Label Vacated: What are the implications for weed control in soybean?

The dicamba labels (Xtendimax, Engenia, and Tavium) have recently been vacated, which effectively means these products cannot be applied over-the-top of tolerant soybeans. Learn some important considerations for soybean weed control in the upcoming growing season.

Young farmer analyzing data on a tablet computer beside a crop sprayer.

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.

Row of well-maintained grain bins alongside a field.

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.