Content by Madalyn Shires

Two broccoli plants exhibiting early black rot symptoms.

Black Rot of Brassica Crops

Black rot is an uncommon, but devastating bacterial disease in South Dakota that can develop during extended periods of hot and wet weather, leading to rapid and widespread crop loss.

Dark-green gelatinous masses on a patch of grass.

Nostoc in Lawns

Nostoc is a genus of cyanobacteria that form colonies in gelatinous masses. In South Dakota, it commonly appears in home lawns, notably in patches where grass is not growing, especially after periods of rain.

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.

Tractor applying postemergence herbicide to a soybean field early in the growing season.
Feb 05

Commercial Applicator Training @ Brookings

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Brookings at McCrory Gardens (631 22nd Ave, Brookings, SD 57006) on February 5, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

A green boom sprayer parked outside a crop field.
Feb 03

Commercial Applicator Training @ Aberdeen

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Aberdeen at the Dakota Event Center (720 Lamont St S, Aberdeen, SD 57401) on February 3, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Tractor applying postemergence herbicide to a corn field early in the growing season.
Jan 29

Commercial Applicator Training @ Mitchell

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Mitchell at the Highland Conference Center (2000 Highland Way, Mitchell, SD 57301) on January 29, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Sprayer applying pesticides to a field.
Jan 27

Commercial Applicator Training @ Rapid City

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training in Rapid City at the DoubleTree by Hilton (505 N 5th St, Rapid City, SD 57701) on January 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Producer loading pesticide into a sprayer tank.
Jan 15

Commercial Applicator Training @ Sioux Falls Ag Expo

SDSU Extension will host commercial applicator training during the Sioux Falls Ag Expo at the Sioux Falls Convention Center (1201 N W Ave, Sioux Falls SD 57104) on January 15, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

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.