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Content by Graig Reicks

Young absinth wormwood, Canada thistle, and leafy spurge plants emerging.

Start Management Plans Now: Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are starting to grow

Absinth wormwood, Canada thistle and leafy spurge have emerged and are growing in eastern South Dakota. If not effectively managed, these weeds can displace desirable forage in pasture and rangeland.

Herbicide sprayer on the edge of an emerging soybean field.

Syngenta to Stop Production of Gramoxone®

Global pesticide developer Syngenta announced on March 3, 2026 that they will cease global production of the herbicide product Gramoxone® (paraquat), a pivotal source of weed control in corn and soybean production, by June 30, 2026.

Early spring lawn with noticeable weed growth.

Organic Herbicides for Lawns

Organic herbicides are becoming more common on the market due to the perception that these products as safer towards humans, pets, and the environment. For those interested in these products, there are several factors to consider.

Two pictures of green grass demonstrating their physical differences.

Preemergence Crabgrass Herbicide Decisions

The optimal application window for preemergence herbicides to manage crabgrass in turf is normally during April, and earlier in the month during warmer years.

Field of green soybean plants with green corn and blue sky in the background.

EPA Approves Dicamba for Over-the-Top Applications in Tolerant Soybean in 2026 and 2027

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a limited-time registration of over-the-top use of dicamba on tolerant cotton and soybean for two growing seasons, 2026 and 2027.

Two clear bottles labeled 4 and 5 with white liquid inside. Bottle 5 has white substrate settled at the bottom.

Herbicide Mixing Order

The order in which herbicides are mixed in a tank can influence the effectiveness.

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.

Examples of Wild violet, Creeping Bellflower, and Ground Ivy growing on a lawn.

Perennial Weed Control in Lawns and Turf With Fall Herbicide Applications

Early fall is great time to control perennial weeds in lawns, including Wild violet, Creeping Bellflower, Ground Ivy, and Canada Thistle. Learn some expert tips selecting the right herbicides to manage these difficult-to-control weeds this fall.

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.