Crops
Corn yield estimates in seven counties surrounding the community of Bloomington indicate farmers there will harvest an average crop, at best. That’s counter to what USDA predicts for Illinois yield results statewide.
If USDA predictions hold true, a massive U.S. corn crop is on the way.
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Weed seeds, pathogens in crop residue and insect larvae pose a threat to future crops if transferred during harvest. Here’s how post-harvest equipment cleaning can safeguard your operation.
The extent of the disease in the state is the worst one ISU Extension pathologist says she has ever seen. Farmers in 17 other states have also confirmed the disease.
Short-stature corn is often planted at higher populations because its architecture allows for better light interception and more efficient use of resources when plants are grown closer together. But that’s not always the case, according to Ken Ferrie, Farm Journal Field Agronomist.
President Trump is urging China to buy more U.S. soybeans as they face a shortage, but analysts say quadrupling soybean orders is ‘highly unlikely.’
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NCGA’s Krista Swanson says it would take about 226 bu. of corn to buy a ton of ammonium phosphate, which is up from the 180 bu. it took at the beginning of this year. As fertilizer costs are on the rise, corn prices are now at or below $4, and it’s creating a grim outlook for 2026.
Camaraderie is cathartic. It lifts spirits, gives encouragement and reminds all of us we are valuable. Check out what farmers have to say about this year’s corn crop – the good, the bad and the in-between – and may their experiences lighten your load in the process.
A crop-protection startup is using AI and machine learning to identify and develop new active ingredients it says will help farmers solve issues like weed resistance faster and more economically.
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USDA reports 73% of the corn crop nationally is in good to excellent condition – a 5% increase over this same time in 2024. Industry analysts believe the Aug. 12 Crop Production report will boost its estimate for the 2025 crop because of the overall favorable growing season.
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Flooding at harvest hurts corn and soybean yields. Learn how variety selection, seed treatments and field management help protect crops until waters recede.
Nebraska grower Brian Herbek says a ‘finishing pass’ can help fill corn ears all the way to their tips with kernels and pack on more starch in the process. Hear more of Herbek’s insights along with David Hula and Randy Dowdy on Breaking Barriers With R&D.
So far pollination and disease issues are being discounted by the corn market. The key to how low prices could fall is dependent on just how much above 181 the corn yield is and will it show up in the Aug. 12 WASDE ?
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Saving on phosphate fertilizer with an ROI up to $20 per acre
More than 1,000 farmers across the country weighed in via survey to express concern that access to glyphosate and atrazine is at risk, after both technologies were called out in the MAHA Report. The next report, the MAHA strategy recommendations, is due to President Trump by August 12.
Just as corn growers were ready to put their pollination problems behind them, another one comes along. This time, the issue had to do with moisture occurring at the wrong time, and the results are significantly impacting yield.
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Some growers are considering rescue treatments with post applications of products. But as the calendar turns to August and the crop enters reproductive stages, that can be a risky undertaking at best, agronomists say.
Icafolin-methyl represents the first new weed-killing chemistry in more than 30 years.
The Midwest has been inundated with rain, heat, oppressive humidity and “corn sweat”. In fact, meteorologist Ryan Maue says the heat index hit 115°F Sunday night in Iowa — and 20°F to 25°F of that was coming from surrounding corn fields.
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Post-harvest weed control isn’t just about cleanup. Learn how to protect yield potential, reduce herbicide dependence, and save on input costs long term.
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Despite USDA’s strong corn condition ratings, more agronomists and farmers are reporting pollination problems from what’s being called ‘overly tight tassel wrap,’ an issue that can’t be seen until you walk into your fields.
In addition to keeping a watchful eye for southern rust and tar spot, some farmers and agronomists have been surprised to find pollination issues due to “overly tight tassel wrap.” Let us know how your corn crop is faring,
Got tar spot? Economic data shows two passes can offer ROI, depending on the hybrid. However, if your crop got dinged at pollination that’s a different scenario and might require a revised game plan that takes yield estimates into consideration.
Southern rust has now been confirmed in at least 15 states, and with high heat and humidity this week, along with strong winds, agronomists are encouraging farmers to scout their corn fields, as conditions are ripe for the disease to spread.
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Learn how tillage, cover cropping, crop residue and water management, plus soil testing can aid in decision making for next year’s crops.