The Source for Iowa Crop Production News

7/1/2009 - Corn and soybean take up a large amount of nutrients during growing season, amounts that are not adequately addressed by low foliar fertilization rate.

6/30/2009 - A warm, sweltering week let Iowa increase seasonal heat accumulation. Crops and weeds alike have taken advantage of the heat. Overall, crop condition is holding constant to slipping slightly, but crop condition is still mostly good to excellent.

6/30/2009 - Weather conditions are favoring "growing like a weed" as volunteer corn makes a grand appearance across the state.

6/30/2009 - Adult Japanese beetles emerge from the soil in June to eat a variety of foods - including foliage. While they rarely cause economic damage to field crops, they can cause aesthetic damage to ornamental plants and fruit trees.

6/29/2009 - Everyone involved in field diagnostics, from the newcomer to the experienced agronomist, will benefit for the training being offered at this field clinic.

6/29/2009 - ISU Extension's 43-acre teaching and demonstration facility, Field Extension Education Laboratory (FEEL), will be the setting for this intensive two-day training program.

6/28/2009 - Weeds are flourishing in untreated fields, according to Extension specialist and field agronomist reports.

6/24/2009 - Scouting early in the season may help prevent yield loss from soybean aphids. The aphids are being reported in young soybeans throughout the North Central Region.

6/24/2009 - Heat and humidity are creating ideal growing conditions for crops and weeds. Many parts of the state are receiving hail as temperatures increase and storms become more frequent.

6/24/2009 - Warmer weather ushered in the start of summer. Although significant weed issues are common statewide, Iowa crop conditions are generally good and corn is responding nicely to the added heat.

6/19/2009 - Heavy rainfalls are causing delays that may have a significant impact on this year's yields.

6/19/2009 - Reductions in yield depend on the crop's growth stage at the time of injury. This article offers several points to keep in mind if your field has been hailed.

6/17/2009 - With an increase in first generation European corn borer activity, Extension specialists describe proper scouting and offer a spreadsheet to calculate action threshold and a chart of insecticides registered for use in Iowa.

6/17/2009 - Neighboring states are reporting corn rootworm larval hatch - which means it is time for Iowa growers to scout and determine if a rescue treatment is needed.

6/16/2009 - Results of a four-year multi-state weed research project are being released to help growers understand management practices in Roundup Ready® cropping systems.

6/16/2009 - Slow crop growth and weeds were the two main issues for most Iowa farmers this week. Crop conditions still place Iowa near the front of the pack among major corn and soybean producing states. Warmth and sun will be welcome.

6/16/2009 - Iowa crop conditions are reported to be 78 percent corn in good to excellent condition; 75 percent soybean good to excellent; a bit better than nationally reported conditions.

6/15/2009 - Scouting and management are recommended for potato leafhoppers that have migrated to Iowa and are beginning to show up in alfalfa fields.

6/15/2009 - Good sprayer equipment cleaning practices should be part of responsible pesticide use.

6/15/2009 - Some producers are discovering winter injury as they make their first hay cutting, and need to consider evaluation and management steps.

6/12/2009 - Determining the cause of stand reductions will help producers make decisions this and future crop seasons.

6/12/2009 - Check points help researchers and producers anticipate the dispersal of soybean rust spores. Current distribution is mapped for easy tracking.

6/11/2009 - Weather elements that have prompted the growth of crops and weeds and slowed the application of pesticides, are also a consideration when figuring pesticide drift.

6/10/2009 - Uncharacteristically cold weather and general lack of good growing degree days is making corn more responsive to postemergence treatments.

6/9/2009 - There are several indicators of corn seedling damage from ammonia; an injury that is being reported this spring.

6/9/2009 - A Goldilocks weather scenario, with a few black cutworms and uneven corn stands create the content for this week's report.

6/9/2009 - A relatively cool week, but Iowa crops are generally in good condition. Rain was welcome in western Iowa and crop conditions still rival the rest of the Corn Belt.

6/8/2009 - Restrictions for herbicide applications are outlined, good information when weather and equipment cause application delays.

6/5/2009 - Corn of varying colors - yellow-green, purple and striped - will benefit from several days of warmth and sun.

6/4/2009 - Go to the fields NOW and scout for early-season insects, even in unexpected places such as fields planted with Poncho 250 treated seed.