Agweek

HIGHMORE, S.D. — A devastating windstorm ripped through central South Dakota on the morning of June 29. According to the South Dakota State University Mesonet, at 6:25 a.m. wind gusts were reported at 131 miles per hour, with the wind speed at 76 miles per hour. Rainfall totaled 1.64 inches. Videos of the aftermath taken by AeroAg Drone Services in Highmore, show extensive damage to the community.

This is Tuesday at 5:30 a.m. My husband Joe and son Benjamin left for work. Son Kevin is still sleeping. All is quiet and I really would love to flop back on my recliner and get a few extra winks. This column won't write itself and it needs to get out today. I leave this morning with daughter Verena and daughter-in-law Grace to go help daughter Susan. More of the family will go help today and some will go tonight. Some of the men will go tonight to assist Ervin with his work.

I rarely remember what I was doing on a particular date. What did I do on my last birthday? Probably ate a steak? I'm not really sure. Where was I when I learned about some significant world event? With the exception of 9/11 (in my pickup, outside my high school, listening to the radio with my younger brother), I don't have firm memories. But this year, I've replayed the events of June 20, 2025, in my mind as we reached the anniversary of a tornado that hit our farm.

MITCHELL, S.D. — Spencer Neugebauer farms corn and soybeans with his family in Ethan, South Dakota. In 2022, his uncle mentioned purchasing a drone for their farm. “We kind of went out on a limb and ended up buying one,” Neugebauer said.

BROOKINGS, S.D. — Researchers at South Dakota State University have developed a vaccine for avian metapneumovirus subtype B, which is a respiratory virus that has been impacting poultry production across the United States. In 2024, researchers at South Dakota State University’s Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory were the first to identify the virus outbreak.

The U.S. Drought Monitor releases an updated report of drought conditions across the U.S. every Thursday, and it's far more than a guessing game by climate scientists. The U.S. Drought Monitor is produced through a partnership between the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and NASA.

GRAND FORKS — Vance Taylor is looking forward to more free time when he retires after a remarkable career leading the state-owned North Dakota Mill and Elevator — the only one of its kind in the nation. Taylor has served as president and CEO for 26 years, the longest tenure of any predecessor. “It has been the honor of my professional life to serve this organization,” Taylor said in a statement issued by the state’s Industrial Commission late last year announcing his plans to retire July 3.

This week on AgweekTV, watch why there are more operators of drones and more acres seeing applications from drones. Take a walk with alpacas with Emily Beal. A domestic avian vaccine gains ground in South Dakota. Drought advancements and ways you can report drought. Learn about a growing flower business out of an old dairy in North Dakota.

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GALCHUTT, N.D. —Many people find walking through nature to be a peaceful experience, especially those that live in the hustle and bustle of the city. That’s why Ten Seven Acres started offering nature walks to the public. The catch? An alpaca will be walking right beside you. Dirk and Jessie Monson bought their property in Galchutt about 13 years ago, with the dream of having their two retired racehorses in their very own backyard.