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 06

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.

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. CST.

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. MT.

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. CST.