Agronomy Zone 4

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In some areas of western and central Kansas, farmers are turning off their irrigation systems to comply with water rations during this extended period of excessive heat and high winds. The corn in these regions is at pollination to early milk stages, and I've noticed that the spider mite population is on the rise. The unfavorable growing conditions could hurt yields and test weight, and unfortunately, there is no rain or cooler temperatures in the forecast. 

We are finding quite a few fields in central and western Kansas that are being invaded by Japanese Beetles. The bugs are feeding on the top of the ears and eating the silks as they emerge. This will hamper pollination of the kernel. The bugs are also eating the tips of the young ears. This wound will make the plant susceptible to ear rots and molds. Growers, it's time to scout your fields and treat this pest as soon as you find it.

Corns in Southern Missouri are showing signs of stress by getting out of phase during pollenation. What is acurring is the tassel is sheding pollen and the ear is not formed yet or has not started silking. This will lead to poor kernal set. This area was very wet and cool early, then turned off hot and is now hot and dry giving the corn plant too much stress. The corn also has had emergance issues and this may help as not all the plants will be sheding pollen at the same time or near the same time thus spreading the pollenation cycle out over a longer time frame and this may help yields.

In the Western and Southern parts of Kansas, Oklahoma and Southern Missouri we are seeing a very severe dought and high heat, with this the winds are acting like a blast furnace. Many corn fields have already be a total lost. The corn is about three feet tall and tasselled out in these areas. Some corn has remained in this area due to a little rain that has fallen but is lowered yield should be expected if any at all. Some fields are being cut and baled, but the nitrate levels will be high and the bales will need to be treated to lower the nitrate level to a safe zone.