Mark Hanna

April 2, 2021 1:30 PM

The recent dry conditions across the state, carried through from the 2020 growing season, has created an environment in which field fires are of concern this spring if current conditions continue to persist.  Strong winds can increase problems by acting as a catalyst, drying crop residue,...

Crop Production, Equipment and Machinery, Soil Fertility
August 21, 2020 2:55 PM

The unprecedented August 10 derecho storm event has caused significant damage to Iowa corn fields. If it’s decided to proceed with harvesting the field for grain, several operational changes may increase performance and productivity of the combine.

Equipment and Machinery
September 14, 2017 12:31 PM

It’s always difficult to forecast weather, but if dry field conditions persist, potential for combine and field fires this fall could be a problem. All it takes is a single high-temperature source in the engine area, or an overheated bearing to ignite dry plant material.

During harvest...

Crop Production
June 6, 2016 11:53 AM

Increasing sprayer travel speed causes the controller to increase boom pressure (and decrease droplet size). If field conditions have you running behind and your sprayer travel speed has increased 20–25%, consider using one size larger nozzle tip to minimize drift potential.

Equipment and Machinery, Pesticide Education
April 25, 2016 3:46 PM

Accelerated, early planting in some parts of the state increases pressure on applicators of preemergence herbicide to speed up sprayers to cover a larger numbers of acres. Increased speeds increase boom pressure for existing nozzles, and can tempt applicators to increase boom height. Both...

Equipment and Machinery, Weeds
October 20, 2015 2:45 PM

By Clarke McGrath and Mark Hanna

It’s always difficult to forecast weather, but if dry field conditions persist, the potential for combine and field fires this fall will continue to be a problem. There have already been dozens of significant field fires around the state,...

Crop Production