Integrated Crop Management News

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Late Corn Planting Options

May 9, 2019
average first date for Iowa

Corn planting began a couple of weeks ago and according to the May 5 USDA-NASS Crop Progress and Condition report only 36 percent of the corn crop is planted; 15 percent behind the 5-year average. The greatest progress has been in central and west central Iowa at 56 percent and 57 percent, respectively. Since May 5 there has been limited opportunity for planting to occur. Current weather forecasts for May 8 to 14 indicate two inches of rain and 20 to 30 lower than normal GDD accumulation across Iowa, which may cause additional planting delays.

Evaluating Corn Stands

May 9, 2019

As of May 6 2019, 36 percent of Iowa’s corn is planted according to the USDA-NASS. Under cool conditions (50 to 55oF soils), it may take more than three weeks for corn to emerge whereas corn in 70oF soils can emerge in less than a week (Licht et al., 2001).

Step Two in Flood Recovery of Pastures Is Renovation

May 2, 2019
pasture covered with silt after flooding

As flood waters recede, the renovation of flooded pastures is just beginning. Now is a good time to check pasture plants for survival. Forage production is a function of the plant species, and their density and growth. Evaluate live plants (plant vigor), plant density, and desirable species versus weeds.

Soybean Aphid Egg Hatch Starting in Northern Iowa

May 2, 2019
Degree-day map for soybean aphid egg hatch predictions.

Iowa’s most significant soybean insect pest, soybean aphid, has host-alternating biology. This species has multiple, overlapping generations on soybean in the summer and moves to buckthorn in the winter. Fall migration to buckthorn is based on senescing soybean, and decreasing temperatures and photoperiod. For the majority of the year, soybean aphids are cold-hardy eggs near buckthorn buds (Photo 1). As spring temperatures warm up, soybean aphid eggs hatch and produce a few generations on buckthorn before moving to soybean (Photo 2). Tilmon et al.

What's behind Iowa's 2019 soybean yield gaps?

May 2, 2019
A map illustrating soybean yields throughout the North Central region

Over the last five years, the North Central region of the U.S. has been responsible for 82 percent of the nation’s soybean harvest. Due to the region’s importance to soybean production for its various uses in feed, biodiesel and other widely used products, the North Central Soybean Research Program (NCSRP), through funding from the Soybean Checkoff Program, has sponsored on-farm surveys to farmers in the region to evaluate trends in farming practices and management systems.

First Step in Recovering Flooded Pastures and Hay Ground

April 26, 2019
corn stalk in a field fence row after flood

Flood waters are receding, but the challenges in recovery for farmers and livestock producers are just beginning. We recommend producers get out in their fields as soon as possible to assess the damage to pastures and hay ground, then check out possible disaster assistance. Look for three things in the assessment: debris, silt on the forage, and thinned or dead forage plants. Debris includes wire, metal and trash that may be injurious to animal health and is usually found along fence lines and in the corners of fields.

Scouting and Managing for Winter Injury in Alfalfa

April 17, 2019
Alfalfa field with winter injury

Reports of winter injury in alfalfa fields are coming in across the state. Old man winter along with other management factors can take a toll on alfalfa stands. Older stands, stands that were harvested between mid-September and late October, and stands with minimal stubble appear to have suffered the worst winter injury. Additionally, in many fields it is obvious where the snow drifted and provided insulation and protection as those parts of the field are the greenest.

Last Chance for Private Pesticide Applicator Recertification

April 9, 2019

Private pesticide applicators whose certification expired in 2018 have until April 15, 2019, to renew their certification if they plan to renew by attending a Continuing Instruction Course (CIC) training program. In order to renew by training an applicator must attend a CIC in each of the three years of their renewal cycle.

Planter Maintenance Tips for 2019

April 9, 2019
tractor pulling planter through field with cover crops

Planter maintenance is important for all farmers, particularly those in reduced and no-till systems. A well-maintained planter gives seed its best chance, and with field operations happening in a shortened timeframe this spring, planer maintenance will be as important as ever. Most of the physical responsibility for manipulating soil, placing seed, and getting the seed off to a good start rests on the planter.

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