In February Damon Smith, Wisconsin Corn Specialist presented the findings of a survey conducted last fall for tar spot in WI corn fields. Their findings were that they estimate 97% of corn fields in the state have the overwintering inoculum. He said it’s not a matter of if, but when for 2022. Tar spot was […]
From Illinois to MN, research shows early planted corn has a yield penalty but not early planted soybeans.
Cover crops can be beneficial for erosion, nitrate uptake, and even early season grazing. The upper Midwest had one of the warmest falls on record and we saw incredible cover crop growth in most fields. Most cover crops are rye grass which grow at some of the coolest temps. Rye does a good job of […]
Spring is typically when soil conditions have more moisture and so we want to be concerned about causing compaction. In some areas of the Midwest spring tillage is the only option and so the drier the soils, the better when tilling. Spring or fall, dry soils crack easier and those cracks help shatter the compaction […]
While attending the Northern Soil Compaction conference. Speakers from the US, Canada, Sweden, and Switzerland presented their research on the causes of soil compaction and solutions to remedy. The biggest take-home was that researchers found the leading yield robbing compaction was caused by large center fill planters. Dr. Shearer (OSU) shared that the first tracks […]
Winter Crop Days 2022 discussed many topics, soil scientist Jeff Vetch, U of MN Waseca, presented on some ideas to consider in 2022 if you haven’t already gotten your fertilizer purchased. To start, for the past 20 years the nitrogen recommendations have been based off a fertilizer price to corn price ratio. After the introduction […]
The US drought monitor update this week was significant for several reasons. Not only did drought area in the US grow 2% last week, but we also reached the threshold of 60% of the continental US with drought conditions. Western regions are especially impacted and that will have the most impact on wheat and cattle […]
The premium for a crop consultant can deliver much bigger bottom lines. Click to read more.
When needed, liming materials can be major beneficial inputs for crop production in Minnesota. Click to read more.
Just about the time you thought you knew all the ways that Palmer amaranth can spread from field to field, another one comes along. Click to read more.