Best management practices benefit corn and soybean farmers in managing pests, weeds | Corn and Soybean Digest

Abiding by best practice standards is critical for farmers. It’s the most efficient and effective way of accomplishing a task - pest control, chemical application, etc. - based on repeatable procedures that have proven themselves over time for large numbers of people.

May 22, 2012

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Planting, Herbicides and Farm Programs

Across southern Minnesota and northern Iowa, nearly all the intended corn is planted, and over 90% of the soybeans were planted as of May 18. Most of the corn and many of the soybeans that are planted in this region have emerged, and stands look fairly good....More
May 18, 2012

Article

Postemergence Corn Herbicide Considerations

The eastern Corn Belt's early corn crop has started to – and so have the weeds. So now is the time for growers to consider postemergence herbicide applications, says Travis Legleiter, a Purdue Extension weed specialist. In the northern part of the Corn Belt, some of the crop is as far along as the V3, or third leaf, growth stage. Development is even further along in some fields in the southern part of the region. That means corn farmers need to prepare to apply the right postemergence herbicide at the right time, likely within the next few weeks....More
May 17, 2012

Article

7 Factors Affecting Herbicide Injury to Corn

During the past week, the number of observations and inquiries related to corn injury from herbicides increased, says University of Illinois Associate Professor of Weed Science Aaron Hager. Instances of corn injury appear to be fairly widespread across the state. Direct application of postemergence herbicides and persistence of herbicides applied last season appear to be responsible for much of the injury....More
May 14, 2012

Article

Monitor Weed Control with Aerial Imagery

It’s been another abnormal spring and many farmers have had to adjust some of their management practices. Specifically, the combination of the unusual weather and a need to get control of glyphosate-resistant weeds has increased the need to more closely scrutinize weed-management programs....More
May 14, 2012

Article

Tips for Nitrogen, Herbicide Application on Emerged Corn

The rapid pace of planting in late April followed by rain has resulted in many fields having emerged corn before pre-emergence herbicide and nitrogen applications have been completed. Of particular concern are no-till fields where planting was completed prior to killing emerged weeds....More
May 11, 2012

Article

Customize Postemergent Herbicide Applications

"In general, postemergent applications should be made before weeds get taller than 2-4 in., because that's when competition can begin to impact yields," says WinField Regional Agronomist Steve Barnhart. "Plus small weeds are a lot easier to control than larger ones." Because every field is different, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to turn to when it comes to planning postemergent herbicide applications....More
May 8, 2012

Article

USDA Advances Water Quality Conservation Across the U.S.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced the launch of a new National Water Quality Initiative committed to improving one to seven impaired watersheds in every U.S. state and territory. The 157 selected watersheds were identified with assistance from state agencies, key partners, and NRCS State Technical Committees. USDA's NRCS will make available at least $33 million in financial assistance to farmers, ranchers and forest landowners this year to implement conservation practices to help provide cleaner water for their neighbors and communities....More
May 4, 2012

Article

Apply Postemergence Herbicide to Small Weeds in Corn

"The smaller the weed, the better," says University of Illinois Associate Professor of Weed Science Aaron Hager. Proper timing of the application of postemergence herbicides provides the corn crop with the best opportunity to express its full genetic yield potential. Allowing weeds to compete with the crop for too long reduces its seed yield. Yield losses can accumulate very rapidly, and the associated costs can far exceed the cost of an integrated weed management program that includes a properly timed application of a postemergence herbicide....More
May 2, 2012

Article

Monitor 2012 Corn Rootworm Hatch with Online Insect Forecast Tool

Over the past two seasons, farmers across the Corn Belt have participated in an online early warning system tool to monitor above ground pests that could threaten their corn yields. For 2012, this sophisticated program, known as the Insect Forecast tool, has been enhanced to track another economically damaging pest – corn rootworm – as well as to offer farmers expanded online and mobile access....More
Apr. 24, 2012

Article

Pests, Diseases Likely on the Rise Due to Mild Temperatures

Mild temperatures have kick-started an early planting season this year, as well as the potential for increased pests and disease pressures for growers. In fact, entomologists already are seeing significant captures of black cutworm and true armyworm in Iowa, Missouri, Indiana and Illinois. Scouting the fields may be one of the best ways to successfully manage damage to young plants, say experts from Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business....More