Meaghan Anderson
Meaghan Anderson is a field agronomist in central Iowa and an extension field specialist at Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. Educational programming is available for farmers, agribusinesses, pesticide applicators, certified crop advisors, and other individuals interested in crop production.
Areas of expertise include weed management, weed biology, cover crops, corn and soybean management, and integrated pest management.
Subscribe to the Central Iowa Crop Update for current topics and agriculture events in the area.
Subscribe to RSS FeedThe calendar may now say we are in the month of May, but it certainly doesn’t feel that way with the weather and with planting progress across Iowa.
Soil temp. Ideally we want soil temps at the 4” depth to be 50oF or warmer prior to planting corn. While we did...
One benefit of planting cover crops is their contribution to weed management. While several factors contribute to the inhibition of weeds by cover crops, the physical barrier of cover crop residue on the soil surface is most important. Research has shown a strong relationship between the...
This cold and snowy weather hopefully has everyone dreaming of warmer days this spring. The 2019 growing season will be here before we know it, but now is a great time to plan for the year. While many farmers have already purchased pesticides for the growing season, it’s important to read the...
This is part three of a four-part series originally posted in 2016 on using multiple, effective herbicide sites of action (herbicide groups) at effective rates as part of a long-term weed management system. Read ...
This is part three of a four-part series originally posted in 2016 on using multiple, effective herbicide sites of action (herbicide groups) at effective rates as part of a long-term weed management system. Read ...
This is part two of a four-part series originally posted in 2016 on using multiple, effective herbicide sites of action (herbicide groups) at effective rates as part of a long-term weed management system. Read...
This is part one of a four-part series originally posted in 2016 on using multiple, effective herbicide sites of action (herbicide groups) at effective rates as part of a long-term weed management system.
With the stagnant development of new herbicides and weeds seemingly...
Another contest is in the books, and once again we provided a sufficient challenge to prevent anyone from earning a perfect score. In the Professional Division, two-time defending champion Cindy Recker was narrowly edged out by Karen Stiles, last year’s winner in the General Division. Both...
Join us for the fall field day at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on September 6, 2018
Mark your calendar for the September 6 Fall Field Day at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.
This year’s fall field day will feature the following topics:
- “A Season in Review” by Myron Rees, Southeast Research Farm Superintendent...
Mile-a-minute weed (Persicaria perfoliata) is an invasive species in the Polygonaceae (smartweed) family that is native to Asia. It is believed to have been introduced to the United States in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, but the initial introductions failed to form permanent...
On June 28, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach will be hosting the annual Spring Field Day and Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) Training at the Southeast Iowa Research and Demonstration Farm near Crawfordsville.
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Cool conditions during planting season increase the potential for herbicide injury to seedlings due to slow emergence and reduced ability of the crop to metabolize herbicides. While herbicides may be responsible for emergence issues, most problems that have been brought to our attention seem to...
Farmers and agriculture suppliers will want to attend the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association annual meeting at the Johnson County Extension office in Iowa City on Thursday, March 1, 2018 beginning at 10:00 a.m., according to association president Jeff Ellis.
Following a...
For the first time in recent history, a contestant successfully defended their title in the Professional Division at the State Fair Weed ID Contest. Cindy Recker of Peosta repeated as champion of the Professional Division, Karen Stiles of Des Moines won the General Division, and Henric Krause...
Seeding Cover Crops in Dry Conditions
We are quickly approaching the time of year when we aerially seed cover crops into standing corn and soybeans. Earlier seeding allows for more growth and consequently more biomass to protect soils from erosion. It also allows the opportunity to...
Observations across several counties in southeast and south central Iowa show that, despite some recent rain events and high humidity, twospotted spider mites are persisting in both corn and soybean fields across the area. These insect-like pests can be very difficult to identify, so we’ve got...
As of February 2017, Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) had been found in 49 of Iowa’s 99 counties. A native of the American southwest, Palmer amaranth is more competitive than common waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus), a pigweed native to Iowa. These two species are two...
The 2017 State Fair Weed Identification Contest will be held on Friday, August 11, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM. Contestants can show up anytime during this period and complete the task at their own pace.
The contest is held outside of the John Deere Agriculture Building, but moves indoors...
Farmers, ag retailers, and certified crop advisers gathered at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm on June 22 for the research farm association’s annual spring field day. Myron Rees, farm superintendent, kicked off the field day by sharing a farm and crop update with everyone. Some...
Fall is a great time to take soil samples and test the soil to see where the nutrient levels are. The results of soil tests can help make critical management decisions for the next growing season. Soil testing starts with the soil sample. The small sample of soil collected serves as the basis...
Palmer amaranth has been identified in newly-seeded conservation plantings in more than 30 Iowa counties, and we would not be surprised if the actual number is double that. The number of Palmer amaranth plants per acre has typically been low enough (<250 plants per acre) to make physical...
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomists report crop conditions in south central, southeast, and east central Iowa.
The first step in managing any pest is correct identification. For Palmer amaranth, we have stressed the need to examine the inflorescences of female plants for the presence of the large, sharp bracts. Farmers/agronomists are not accustomed to examining flowers since almost all weeds can be...
Most people are aware of the multiple findings of Palmer amaranth across Iowa this month. Palmer amaranth has been identified both in crop fields and in conservation plantings using native seed mixes. Early detection is essential in order to prevent the new weed from getting permanently...
Mark you your calendars for the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm's Fall Field Day, which is set for September 8. Registration will begin at 1 p.m. with the tour starting at 1:30 p.m.
The featured stops for this year's field day include a presentation on...