Content by Philip Rozeboom

Three stored grain pests. From left: Maize weevil, Angoumois grain moth, Cadelle beetle.

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.

Agronomist and farmer inspecting an ear of corn in the field.

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.

Producer with tablet observing a field in late autumn.

Now Is the Time To Make Your Weed Management Plan for the 2024 Growing Season

As harvest season comes to an end, now is the time to start formulating your weed management plan for next year. Learn some expert tips for getting your operation off to a good start next growing season.

Producer observing a bare field in late autumn.

Now Is the Time To Plan For Noxious Weed Control in 2024

Since most of South Dakota has experienced several frosts, fall herbicide applications are likely near completion. However, now is the time to plan for noxious weed management for both spring and fall of 2024.

Three pictures of a red combine with tan and black soybean and weed seeds spread throughout its surfaces.

Evidence That Combines Can Transport Weed Seeds

A combine deliberately harvests crop grain, but it can also unintentionally transport weed seeds. Learn some tips for cleaning equipment and containing residues during harvest to prevent weeds from spreading this fall.

Two photos of yellow soybeans, one with green and yellow weeds in between the rows and the other with a clearing in-between soybean rows.

Order of Fields Harvested Can Improve Weed Management

Weeds at harvest time are hard to avoid, and their severity in fields can range from “clean” to a “weedy mess.” Harvesting weedier fields last can help limit the movement of weed seeds and reduce future weed pressure.

Waterhemp growing at the edge of a soybean field nearing harvest.

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.

Image showing a brown stalk with a hollowed out pith area and a white beetle larva present.

Prompt Harvest Can Reduce Lodging Caused by Dectes Stem Borer in Sunflower

If you notice an increased amount of lodging in your sunflower field, it is recommended to harvest the field as soon as possible to reduce losses from Dectes stem bore infestations.

Four green caterpillars feeding on a leaf of green kale.

What’s chewing on my kale?

Cabbage white caterpillars can be a nuisance in kale and other cold crops, leaving behind ragged-looking leaves and a significant amount of droppings. Learn some expert tips for identifying and manage them before they take a bite out of your harvest.