For immediate release:

~2017 Wheat Pest Management Guides

~2017 SDSU Extension Wheat Walks

~Variety Survey Influences Wheat Research

~South Dakota Wheat Outlook                                     


A special news release for South Dakota media outlets.  Please contact Reid Christopherson at info@sdwheat.org to set up interviews, gather additional quotes and graphics, or pitch a story.

2017 Wheat Pest Management Guides

The South Dakota 2017 Pest Management Guides are available online as free PDF downloads or as hard copies at SDSU Extension regional centers, offices, and events.  The wheat guide provides recommendations for herbicides, insecticides, seed treatments, and fungicides that are available in South Dakota to control weeds, insects, and diseases.  The updated guides include new products, new product names, and the corresponding changes to the labels including application rates, rotation restrictions, and additive rates. Cost estimates are included for the herbicide products.

2017 SDSU Extension Wheat Walks

SDSU Extension will host Wheat Walks in the Pierre and Wall areas on May 25, 2017 and in the Clark area on June 1, 2017. The goal of these events is to provide wheat producers with the latest information to effectively manage their crop.

SDSU Extension Agronomy Field and State Specialists will be on hand at each location, providing expertise in plant pathology, weed control, entomology, soil fertility and agronomic information. Each specialist will give a brief presentation, followed by time for discussion and questions for the specialists, one-on-one or in small groups. Those attending are welcome to bring samples from their fields for the agronomists to assess. Representatives from the SD Wheat Commission and SD Wheat Inc. will also be present. CCA credits have been applied for.

Through grant funding from the South Dakota Wheat Commission there will be no charge to attend any of the Wheat Walk locations. Those attending will receive several Extension publications. Refreshments will be provided by South Dakota Wheat Inc.

Wheat Walk Dates, Times, and Locations:

–  May 25 at 10:00 a.m. CDT. – Dakota Lakes Research Farm, 21310 308th Ave., Pierre, which is 17 miles east of Pierre on the south side of SD Highway 34.

– May 25 at 4:00 p.m. MDT. – From Wall, go west 3 miles on I-90 to Exit 107. Go north on Cedar Butte Road for about 4.4 miles. Turn west onto gravel at 229th Street. Go west about 1 mile to 187 Avenue. The plots are on the south side of the gravel road. The doppler tower is straight north of the plots.

– June 1st at 9:30 a.m. CDT. – From Watertown, drive west on Hwy 212, turn north (right) on Hwy 25. Drive 2 miles and turn east (right) on 171st St. Drive 1 ½ miles, turn north (left) on 435A and drive 1 ½ miles. The field is on the east side of the road.

Variety Survey Influences Wheat Research

The South Dakota Wheat Commission is collecting information from South Dakota producers about their preferred winter and spring wheat varieties in a 2017 variety survey.  Wheat farmers are encouraged to watch their mailboxes, as the surveys will arrive soon. Completed surveys should be returned as soon as possible.  The short, easy and anonymous survey is important to the work of the South Dakota Wheat Commission. The information will assist wheat researchers and breeders in the selection of new varieties that meet South Dakota producers’ needs.  If you grow wheat and did not receive a survey, you may complete the survey at sdwheatvariety.com.

South Dakota Wheat Outlook

Recent cool weather has slowed the development of South Dakota wheat in comparison to historic averages. Extended dry conditions have led to the abandonment of some HRW acres. Active field scouting should remain a top priority in the days ahead.