SDSU Extension - Spink County

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/april-private-applicator-training-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.

03/19/2026

03/19/2026

https://extension.sdstate.edu/news/sdsu-provides-updated-recommendations-soil-tarping

South Dakota State University has published new recommendations on soil tarping that can help producers manage weeds.

09/23/2025

📢 Upcoming Office Hours & Closures 📢

Please note upcoming changes to the Spink County Extension Office schedule. ⏰

As always, feel free to:
📞 Leave a message at 605-472-5006
📧 Email [email protected]

We’ll get back to you the next business day we’re open. 💚🍀

Thank you for your understanding!

09/16/2025

Getting kids outside to play and use their imagination is getting harder in our digital, screen-filled world. Using outdoor spaces and nature to create intentional learning opportunities is a great way to fulfill the need for kids to move and use their creative energy.

09/16/2025

SDSU Extension will host an Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing Workshop webinar on September 27, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. CDT (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. MT).

09/16/2025

During this episode of Cattle HQ, Madison Kovarna sits down with Michael Drotzmann to take a peek behind the auction block.

09/16/2025

NEW SERVICE: We are now offering roadside ditch mowing! Contact us and let us know what ditches you want mowed. We will use our batwing mower to clean up the areas that are requested. Price will be $160/hr with a $50 site fee. Contact Brad at 605-280-6796 or Ivy at 605-460-2367 with any questions or if you would like to get on the mowing list.

08/29/2025

📣Leaf spot diseases, pseudocercospora and septoria among others, on lilacs are causing increasing concern in eastern South Dakota.

The photo is from a recent site visit to Davison County with leaf spot/defoliation on lilac windbreaks.

These leaf spot diseases present as brown spots starting at the margins, progressing to blotches and eventually defoliation. Most of the lilacs affected so far have been used in windbreaks. Dr. Ball has looked at some windbreaks where every lilac in a row is bare except for a few leaves at the tips. These diseases require warm, humid conditions to flourish, and it has been wet and humid this year. These leaf spot diseases are not a threat to otherwise healthy shrubs. Lilacs can withstand a year of defoliation, so control is not always necessary. If the lilacs were affected last year and again this year, a fungicide application of Chlorothalonil (labeled for this use) can be made just as the leaves are opening next spring to reduce the severity of the disease.

Learn more from John Ball, state forester in his Tree Pest Alert series. All the August editions contain info about these lilac woes: https://extension.sdstate.edu/tree-pest-alert

Post shared from Vaughn Reints, SDSU Extension Horticulture Assistant

08/29/2025

Research report from Animal Science Department covering a variety of areas in livestock production.