Corn and Soybean Digest

Jen Bennett

Digital Editor

Email jbennett@csdigest.com

Jen grew up in south-central Minnesota and graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato, with a degree in mass communications. She served as a communications specialist for the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association and Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, and was a book editor before joining the Corn & Soybean Digest staff.

Articles by Jen Bennett

Corn Planting Progressing; Soybeans on the Map, Too

Today’s USDA crop progress report showed some significant progress made in U.S. corn planting. Overall, planting percentage is at 40%, up from 13% last week, but clearly well behind last year’s pace of 80%. The five-year average is 59%.

How Will Late Planting and Saturated Soils Affect Corn Diseases and Pests?

Reports of late planting, flooding and saturated soils are inundating news sources right now, and corn growers need to take them seriously. All of these conditions will likely have an effect on which pests and diseases show up in your cornfields. Extension specialists advise keeping a close eye on crops as they emerge.

Bean Busters | What Farmers Should Watch for in Soybean Fields this Growing Season

They’re ba-aack. Extension entomologists around the Corn Belt expect to see aphids, white mold and other common pests and diseases this year. Of course, a lot depends on the weather.

Same Old, Some New | Experts Predicting the Usual Insects and Diseases in Cornfields This Year, Along With Some New Players

Finding diseases and insects in your cornfields is nothing new for most farmers. From armyworms to rootworms, leaf spot to stalk rot, something is bound to rear its ugly head during the growing season. But there are some diseases and pests that are becoming more common.

Fit For Fieldwork | Tips on Prepping your Planter in No-Till Systems

Spring is upon us. Is your planter prepped? From seed meters to disk alignment, there’s a lot to be checked, adjusted or fixed so your planter reaches peak performance. Experts offer the following tips for prepping your no-till planter.

Multiply and Conquer | Multiple Modes of Action is the Theme for New Corn Herbicides

As herbicide resistance grows, so does the need for multiple modes of action. Several companies are offering corn herbicides for 2011 that offer multiple modes of action to help control a multitude of weeds showing up in your fields. From broadleaf to grass control, here are some products that will give you the upper hand in combating those pesky, resistant weeds this year.

Inspector Gadgets | Keep Stored Quality Corn and Soybeans in Quality Condition Using These Monitoring Systems

Most corn and soybean growers would likely agree that the 2010 harvest was much better than in 2009 in many ways, including the quality of grain harvested. But, just because the grain quality was better doesn’t mean you can store it and forget it. Quality grain deserves quality monitoring.

Socially Active | Facebook, Twitter and YouTube Can be Effective Ways to Communicate About Agriculture

Hybrid Heroes for 2011

The hero of agriculture this year was the growing season. Most areas had exceptional weather, perfectly timed moisture and wonderful growing conditions. After last year’s drawn-out harvest, many farmers had the opportunity to start harvest on time this year, if not early. And now that the 2010 crop is out of the field, it’s time to look to 2011. Let your hybrid choice be the hero of next season.

Super Sized | Agco’s New Combine and Disk Offerings Go Big

A Man, A Farm, A Plan | Farmers: If You’re Nearing Retirement Age, Get a Transition Plan in Place Now

Need to make supper tonight? The cookbook A Man, A Can, A Plan has got you covered. Need to make a retirement or farm-transition plan? Well, you’re on your own. There may not be a nice, simplified, step-by-step book available to help you, but there are many law firms and Extension agents ready to give advice and time to help you plan for transitioning your livelihood.

Corn Pests and Diseases to Watch Out for in 2010 1

Variable. It's not just a math term, but almost a way of life for farmers. There are constant variables from those you

Companies Offer Huge Planters, From 60 to 120 Feet Wide

If a little is good, a lot is better. When it comes time to plant, why not go for the gusto and get your crops in the

What Soybean Farmers Can Do To Avoid White Mold Problems in 2010

A white Christmas is a dream. White mold is a nightmare. And, it's a nightmare that many soybean growers in the Midwest

Soybean Now Sequenced

When someone says, we think of human genetics and how baby Joe has great-grandpa Harry's nose or ears. Or, maybe we