Content by Eric Jones

Gloved hands examining a musk thistle seedhead.

Now is the Time to Plan for Noxious Weed Control in 2026

Most of South Dakota experienced first frosts that were delayed by at least one month, allowing for noxious weed growth to continue later in the season. Now is the time to plan for noxious weed management tactics.

Snow-dusted, harvested field with a few scattered plants throughout.

Now is the Time to Prepare Your Weed Management Plan for the 2026 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 this coming growing season.

Aerial view of the SDSU Northeast Research Farm.
Jan      Feb 06 - 26

Crop Hour

SDSU Extension Crop Hour webinars provide valuable information for South Dakota crop producers to help them improve their profitability and prepare for the upcoming season.

Cream colored larva that has an accordion shape and a brown head in the stem of a sunflower.

Dectes Stem Borer in South Dakota Sunflowers

Factsheet covering Dectes stem borer in sunflowers.

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.

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. CST.

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. 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.

Yellow toadflax plants flowering in a grassy area beside a field.

Yellow Toadflax Has Begun Producing Seeds: Scout before treating infested areas

Yellow toadflax is a perennial weed that infests pasture and rangeland across South Dakota. This year, with an abundance of heat and moisture, plants flowered in early August and now have started to produce seeds.

Multi-rotor drone used for spray, spread and seeding

Required Licensing For Applying Pesticide Using Spray Drones

Fact sheet for South Dakota stakeholders wanting to get certified to apply pesticides with a spray drone.