Content by SDSU Extension

Map of South Dakota showing Fusarium head blight risk. Green indicates low risk, yellow moderate risk, and red high risk. Most of the state is green except for scattered, yellow areas within Edmunds, Faulk, Hyde, Hand, Buffalo, Jerauld, Brule, Aurora, Turner, Lincoln, McCook, Lake, Brookings, and Kingsbury counties. Some red, high risk areas are in Buffalo, Brule, Hyde, and Minnehaha counties.

Fusarium Head Blight Predicted Risk for Spring Wheat

Most of the spring wheat is at or will soon be at flowering. One disease that can develop in wheat at this growth stage is fusarium head blight (FHB or scab).

A black angus cow with yellow tags hanging from its ears.

Mineral Consumption: It Matters!

Cattle mineral nutrition is complex and often confusing, but one strategy to help ranchers better evaluate their mineral program is to monitor mineral consumption.

Yellow and brown streaks on a winter wheat leaf indicative of bacterial leaf streak symptoms.

Bacterial Leaf Streak Developing at Low Level in Winter Wheat

A few winter wheat fields were found with bacterial leaf streak starting to develop at low levels. Bacterial leaf streak is usually observed starting from flag leaf growth stage. It can be severe on the upper leaves when there is prolonged leaf wetness resulting from frequent rains.

A red combine harvesting wheat in a vast, open wheat field.

Best Management Practices for Wheat Production

The Wheat Best Management Practices manual offers a comprehensive guide for optimizing yields, maximizing profits and ensuring long-term sustainability in wheat production.

A field of flowering alfalfa.

Precautions for Grazing Weevil-Infested Alfalfa

Alfalfa weevil populations are high this year, creating challenges for producers. Questions have arisen on how to get some value out of the forage by grazing it rather than putting it up for hay.

A statue of a dairy cow on a landscaped terrace in front of a long dairy barn.

Being Vigilant of Livestock Property Security and Surveillance

Livestock producers have many daily responsibilities when it comes to caring for and protecting their animals. One responsibility is to remain vigilant regarding individuals that oppose the use of animals for food or other purposes.

Green winter wheat leaf with yellow-orange strips indicative of stripe rust.

Stripe Rust Found in Winter Wheat at Low Severity

Stripe rust was observed in the crop performance trials at the Dakota Lakes Research Farm in Hughes County and at Ideal in Tripp County. At both locations, stripe rust was at a low severity.

A red, tractor-mounted sprayer with its tank being flushed by a hose connected to a large truck.

Alternatives to Postemergence Dicamba Applications

Cancellations of three dicamba labels on June 6, 2020 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, left many farmers looking for options for effective weed control this summer.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

UPDATE: The Environmental Protection Agency Provides Further Guidance Regarding the Previous Suspension of All Sales and Application of Dicamba Products

June 10, 2020

On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.

A red sprayer in a green field with a cloudy sky in the background.

South Dakota Department of Agriculture Suspends All Sales and Application of Dicamba Product

June 08, 2020

On June 3, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit issued a decision to vacate the registration of three Dicamba products including Xtendimax, Engenia, and FeXapan for over the top use on soybeans.