Ask The Agronomist Blog
Iowa Harvest Update
October 30, 2009
Posted by:
Rich Howe
Wet weather has delayed harvest across the Midwest but central Iowa has not been hit as hard as northwest Iowa. In central Iowa, about 90 percent of soybean fields are thrashed compared to just 40 percent in northwest Iowa. Soybeans yields are ranging from 40 to 70 bu/acre depending on planting dates, trait varieties and field drainage. Iowa received heavy rainfalls in August, which is later than normal, so the early 2.0 and mid-maturing 3.5 soybeans are producing similar yields. Liberty Link seeds are performing exceptionally well and consistently topping out at 60 to 70 bu/acre.
Corn harvest is about 10 percent complete with average moisture levels between 20 to 30 percent. Fields in southern Iowa are yielding 230 to 260 bu/acre. I have observed some stalk rot so farmers are racing the clock to preserve stalk quality, but overall, I expect corn yields to be fantastic. If we could get 10 days of dry weather, we’d be able to wrap up harvest.
Once harvest is complete, farmers should consult their Stine Regional Sales Representative to purchase next year’s seed mixtures. Seed prices are very affordable this fall and buying now will save you money, since prices traditionally go up in the spring.
Can Something Good Come From This Cold Weather?
January 31, 2008
Posted by:
Rich Howe
There's a common theory that cold, harsh winters with little or no snow cover will lead to reduced insect populations the following growing season. Extended periods of bitter cold, they say, will work in our favor by killing a significant amount of insects that overwinter in the soil.
Well, that theory will be put to the test this summer, as much of the Corn Belt has seen its share of harsh conditions. Although, for all of our griping, conditions here in the Midwest are actually pretty normal (yes, this is normal).
Click here for an interesting article on the ability of soybean aphids to withstand cold temps.
Things Aren't Always What They Seem
August 24, 2007
Posted by:
Rich Howe
Things aren't always what they seem. Case in point: I saw a field of yellow beans the other day, and the grower was pretty certain that the problem was the soybean plant. There were three fields of Roundup Ready soybeans with yellow streaks across the fields. The fields were all sprayed the same day; as it turns out, the culprit was surfactant burn where the sprayer booms overlapped. The beans had a heavy dew in the morning and early evening.
The south field had a 60 foot yellow spot in a low area. We dug roots and found heavy cysts on the roots. The grower didn’t think he had cyst on any of his ground.
