In mid-August, consultant Bob Streit sent his clients an analysis of this year’s invasion of Goss’ wilt and ways to cope with it. Today, Bob gave us permission to publish this analysis for everyone. “The word needs to get out, so we can deal with this in coming seasons,” he said. Here’s the information he […]
Crop consultant Bob Streit describes the 2015 battle with Goss’ wilt Read More »
Many of the most compelling benefits of cover crops occur out of sight, underground. Adding a fresh plant species to your crop rotation dramatically multiples the spectrum of beneficial microbes, fungi and soil life. USDA-ARS microbiologist Dr. Robert Kremer showed us data on that fact at a seminar last December. And Dr. Jill Clapperton emphasized it again
Biological benefits add to the profits in cover crops Read More »
Yesterday, Sept. 17, a soybean grower west of London, Ontario, harvested his test and control fields in an on-farm demonstration of Lignition, a product we’re testing for the second season. Untreated soybeans yielded 55 bushels per acre. Soybeans foliar-sprayed with 50 grams per acre of Ligniton yielded 62.5 bu. per acre. The 7.5-bu. gain, at
7.5 bu. per acre soybean yield increase with “Lignition” foliar growth promotant Read More »
French ag and ecology ministries announced today, Sept. 17, they’ll ask the European Commission to “opt out” France from growing genetically modified crops in France. This will include corn traits already approved or awaiting European Union authorization. Four other nations took this route earlier under an EU provision allowing member states to decide independently whether
France joins Germany, Scotland, Greece and Latvia to ban GMO crops Read More »
Over the next few weeks, corn harvest will begin in earnest across much of Iowa and surrounding states. Progress will be patchy due to a wide range in planting dates and rainfall events that halted planting and affected crop development. Already, growers are visiting with friends and acquaintances who have made the early plunges with
Sept. 15 crop update from consultant Bob Streit Read More »
Our concern now with these non-GMO Pioneer 92M72 beans planted May 30 is: When are they going to quit pushing new pods and begin to senesce? We asked our consultant, Bob Streit, that question today. “Don’t worry. There are a lot of pods, the pods are full. They’ve been given plenty of nutrition and they
No Sudden Death Syndrome in these soybeans Read More »
AgWeb is currently reporting a University of Missouri study released last year documenting how a flowering plant sharply increased its production of mustard oils when it “hears” the sound of a chewing caterpillar. Caterpillar on leaf The university release includes a brief video which replays the sound, so you can hear what the plant hears. The plant
Sound of a chewing caterpillar triggers a plant’s chemical defenses Read More »
From Sept. 11 through the end of September, the juxtaposition of so many prophetic or unique global events crowd these days that you’re probably seeing a burst of “prepper” warnings… draw all your cash from the bank… stock up food.. major shock… debt collapse. Our view is that whatever happens, a farm family anchored on good land
The rest of September… loaded with omens of uncertainty Read More »
Sept. 10 — Reports from southeast Iowa through central Illinois signaled that corn and soybeans are dying prematurely, at a rapid pace. Several agronomists offer reasons why: Warm weather, shallow rooting from a wet spring, early planting and thus early maturity. We could see yield estimates backing off. And, if corn is infected with the
Will “sudden death” of corn and beans lead to changed yield estimates? Read More »
Cornfields are “dying down” along Interstate 80 through Illinois and Iowa — with some exceptions. Those which are still a vibrant green from base leaves to tassel are typically fields fed late-season nitrogen. One of the more effective ways to feed substantial amounts of 28% or 32% nitrogen is the “Y-Drop” setup: A ground sprayer
This was a season when side-dress and foliar N paid off well for corn Read More »