Agronomy

Unlike most leaf diseases, tar spot starts impacting the crop at the bottom of plants. That means fungicides you apply must penetrate and get deep into the crop canopy to provide effective treatment. If you opt to not treat the disease, consider making plans to harvest early and pre-booking some dryer gas.

Scott Beck says the family-owned business markets seed corn in 23 states now, with Nebraska ranking fifth in the total volume of seed units sold. Once finalized, this latest acquisition will be the company’s furthest west production facility.

Wheat streak mosaic virus decimated some fields this season, say K-State Extension specialists. The problem is also showing up and expanding in other key wheat-producing states. What farmers do this fall will determine whether the disease is reined in or takes off again next season.

With product and application costs totaling between $30 and $40 per acre, farmers will be taking a harder look at where they make the investment this season.

The Seilers use cover crops and no-till to improve soil health, reduce input costs and improve profitability.

David Hula believes a high-quality carrier is so critical to the performance of his crop protection products that he loads and hauls all the water to the local airport that his aerial applicator uses.

Now’s the time to be scouting for the disease, especially where the inoculum is present. Tracking weather data, particularly daily humidity levels, can help you keep an eye on tar spot this season.

The administration is furthering its drone advocacy efforts with a new order expanding Beyond Visual Line of Sight mission approvals and establishing a domestic pilot program for electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing drones.

Alex Harrell, soybean world record holder, says the technology helps him make more accurate and timely foliar product applications, while costing less than using a ground rig or an airplane.

A 25-page criminal complaint alleges the researcher and her boyfriend were attempting to bring Fusarium graminearum into the country. The fungus causes significant diseases in a number of food crops, including corn, wheat, barley, soybeans and rice. Toxins from the fungus are harmful to humans and livestock.