September 2021

It took Howard Vlieger and his Australian researchers six years to refine an environmentally friendly burndown herbicide, but it’s here. Contact Organics based in Australia manufactures the two-part herbicide. Studentofthesoil Howard Vlieger of Maurice, IA is the managing director of Contact Organics USA. September 27, 2021 The firm’s products in Australia are labeled HomeSafe for […]

A few days ago, armyworms stripped leaves from most of our neighbor’s 15-acre alfalfa field. But they left several patches untouched — offering clues which may help you avoid pest invasions in the future.  September 25, 2021  By Jerry Carlson Alfalfa had regrown to about 14 inches high after a third cutting. In two days, armyworms devoured 90% of

Early harvest reports are filtering in from WakeUP clients. One of the most interesting came from north central Iowa, which endured extended dry-weather stress in June and July.  September 23, 2021 One goal we always applaud is corn so healthy at harvest that most of the leaves are still green, the stalk is still alive, the

As farmers gathered at a cover-crop field day Sept. 15, organizer Bob Recker explained: “Probably, your first reaction on seeing this cornfield was, ‘It’s a disaster!’ But over the next four years, experiments here could show you how cover crops can effectively build soil health, productivity — and profit.” September 20, 2021 By Jerry Carlson   The 16-acre

India’s official health agencies and major media are reporting virtually complete control of Covid-19 among 240 million people in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Only 5.8% of the state’s people have been vaccinated against Covid. What happened?  September 16, 2021 Last April, the Covid caseload in Uttar Pradesh totaled 310,000. As of August 31, the active caseload had fallen

Below, we’ve excerpted key sections of crop consultant Bob Streit’s report to Midwest clients and friends. One of Bob’s many strengths is his journalist’s “nose for news” — his constant search for fresh techniques and products which can add a few dollars to your bottom line.  September 13, 2021 By Bob Streit  Now that the

For years our family at Renewable Farming has encouraged healthy soil, healthy crops — and healthy people with robust immune systems. That means good food must be your best medicine, and you live as free as possible from debilitating toxins. September 12, 2021  By Jerry Carlson  Your farm provides one of the best locations for a safe, toxin-free

One of the greatest rewards of my ag journalism career is building a network of idea-filled friends around the world. They keep me focused on the future, even while while we cherish our years of relationships. For me that includes 7 years at Farm Journal, 30 years at Professional Farmers of America — and now, a

You’re looking at a Beck’s hybrid corn field planted early in Clinton County, Indiana — a region that’s often too wet at planting time and prone to dry weeks through the summer. This season had its stresses, but this corn was seed-treated with endophyte stress-tolerating microbes produced by Adaptive Symbiotic Technologies called BioEnsure (a fungus) and