Category Archives: News

News, Story

New Training Options Available for Pesticide Applicators in 2021

Like many events over the past nine months, pesticide applicator training will look a bit different in 2021.
According to Amanda Bachmann, SDSU Extension Pesticide Education and Urban Entomology Field Specialist, current commercial pesticide applicator license holders have two ways to update their certification:
  1. Take the online recertification course by registering with the South Dakota Department of Agriculture (https://apps.sd.gov/doa/ecat3/). Applicators will need an email address that is unique to them in order to participate in the Training House course.
  2. Re-take the exams for the categories they need to update. Most Extension offices that previously provided pesticide testing are open, but please call ahead to make a testing appointment as space may be limited. A list of offices providing exams and their contact information can be found here (https://sdda.sd.gov/ag-services/pesticide-program/certification-licensing-registration/licensing-and-education/applicator-testing-sites/Testing%20Sites.aspx).
Commercial applicators that are not sure of their license number, categories or expiration date can search for their information using the SDDA commercial applicator database (https://apps.sd.gov/doa/cat/commercialsearch.aspx).
Private applicators (new and existing) also have more than one way to obtain or update their certification in 2021. They can:
  1. Take the online certification course by registering with SDSU Extension (https://pat2021.questionpro.com/). Applicators will need an email address that is unique to them in order to participate in the Training House course.
  2. Take the online private applicator exam via SDDA (https://apps.sd.gov/doa/pwt/).
  3. Attend the PAT Zoom March 26, as part of the Crop Hour Regulatory Information and Pesticide Education Week (https://extension.sdstate.edu/event/crop-hour-regulatory-information-and-pesticide-education-webinars).
Private applicators that are not sure of their certification number or expiration date can search for their information using the SDDA private applicator database (https://apps.sd.gov/doa/cat/privatesearch.aspx).
News, Story

SDSU Extension’s Soybean Week Dives into Pest Management, Soil Health and 2021 Outlook

In 2020, South Dakota producers planted 4.95 million acres of soybeans, accounting for 30% of the state’s total planted acres. Soybeans are a major commodity for South Dakota in terms of both acres planted and sales value. This month SDSU Extension will spend a full week on soybean production during the Crop Hour webinar series.
“Soybean week will cover all of areas of pest management, from weeds to disease and insect control,” says Adam J. Varenhorst, Assistant Professor and Extension Field Crop Entomologist. “In addition, the week will cover soil fertility management and look at best management practices when selecting a variety and planting date. The week will wrap up with a look at the soybean market and 2021 market outlook.”
Participants are invited to join the SDSU Extension team January 19-22 from 10 to 11 a.m. CST each day to hear the latest on soybean production:
  • January 19: “Update on Weed Control in Soybeans and Dicamba,” Paul Johnson, SDSU Extension Weed Science Coordinator
  • January 20: “Major Soybean Insect Pests,” Adam Varenhorst, SDSU Extension; “Soybean Fungicide Resistance, SCN and Root Rot Management,” Emmanuel Byamukama, Associate Professor and SDSU Extension Plant Pathologist and Connie Strunk, SDSU Extension Plant Pathology Field Specialist
  • January 21: “Soybean Soil Fertility,” Anthony Bly, SDSU Extension Soils Field Specialist; “Soybean Traits, Planting Date and Fungicide Study,” Jonathan Kleinjan, SDSU Extension Crop Production Associate
  • January 22: “Soybean Market Fundamentals and Outlook,” Jack Davis, SDSU Extension Crops Business Management Field Specialist
Each week SDSU Extension’s Crop Hour will cover a different area of agronomic production, from field crops and forages to water and weather. The webinar series began January 5 and will conclude March 26.
There is no fee to attend but participants will need to register for the weekly webinars on the SDSU Extension Crops page(https://extension.sdstate.edu/agriculture/crops). Confirmation Zoom links and reminders will be emailed to attendees.
Educational credits (CEU’s) will be available for Certified Crop Advisers for each session.
News, Story

Dropping of the Heart in Valentine

The annual dropping of the heart will take place on February 14th (Valentine’s Day) in Valentine, Nebraska at 2:00 p.m. at the fairgrounds.  The huge heart will be raised in the air and ping pong balls with prizes will drop down for participating individuals.  With any questions one can contact dean at the chamber at 402-376-5138.

News, Story

SDSU Extension to Host Creative Life Writing for Adults Workshop

On January 12 from noon to 1 p.m. CST, SDSU Extension will host the online workshop “Heirlooms: Creative Life Writing.” Free and open to the public, the class will provide writing prompts which encourage participants to pen their life memories through sensory detail.
The class will be led by Molly Barari, who holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from Wilkes University and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Adult Education at the University of South Dakota.
“Writing your life stories may seem intimidating, but this fun and interactive workshop will walk you through every step,” says Barari. “Writing down your stories is a chance to leave a special gift for your family. These stories are heirlooms that can be passed from generation to generation.”
Barari will provide writing prompts to help participants identify the important details of their lives. For the workshop, participants should have access to a notebook and pen or a Word program on their computer. All ages of adults are welcome to attend.
This program was made possible by the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Space is limited so participants are encouraged to register soon.
There is no cost to participate. Registration can be found at the Events page (https://extension.sdstate.edu/events).
For more information, contact Brown at 605.394.1722 or by email.