Agronomic Update – 12/18/09

DSM COMMENTS:

CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.)   Most guys in Peoria, Tazewell, McLean, and Woodford counties have completed harvest. Not much ground work done in most cases. Have been very busy seeing customers. T-6N52 is a real STUD, it WON another bank plot in this area.  Thanks to Russ Terry.   Keeping busy here, 8T339, 7T231, T6N52, 8T468, 681-76, 7T683 have all done well. Sell hard!

CENTRAL IL:  Andrew Musselman (Morton, IL – Tazewell Co.)  Five to 10% of the corn is still left to be harvested, with beans finished.  Corn yields declined this year by about 10% overall.  Soybean yields in the 50 to 60 bushel range were the majority.  Our December precipitation had 1” snow, .75” rain, with cold temperatures and clouds.  Tiling and tillage are still being done.

Grain Storage Alert Continues…
As harvest has wrapped up in many areas of Illinois please continue to check your on-farm stored grain as we head into the winter months.  The following link includes tips for what to watch for including grain testing locations for livestock feed value and Mycotoxin analysis.  (Click here)

Thoughts on Soil Tillage from Iowa State
The following article from Iowa State discusses another “sticky” subject that remains a concern for many conventional till growers.

Soil Management of Harvest Ruts

By Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Madhi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy
Combines working in wet conditions to harvest crops have formed ruts in fields.  About three-fourths of combine mass and virtually all of loaded grain tank weight are carried on the combine front axle.  With good yields, grain tank extensions, and a 12-row head, front axle load can be 18 to 20 tons. 
The consequences of such wet conditions are significant soil compaction caused by this heavy equipment and yield reductions that will be realized next season. Compacted soil created beneath the rut may interfere with subsequent crop rooting and development. Ruts deeper than about two inches can also interfere with maintaining seed depth during planter operation next spring, unless they are leveled. 
Using tillage to loosen the soil and relieve compaction requires soil to be dry enough so that soil shattering is effective.  Because soil moisture has refilled the top 12 to 24 inches of the soil profile, deep tillage with a chisel plow or subsoiler this fall or next spring will use fuel and time – but is unlikely to loosen soil effectively between tillage shanks. However, the full soil moisture profile in upper layers will freeze and thaw over the winter and help loosen soil, depending on air temperatures and snow cover. Entering the field this fall in wet moisture conditions for deep tilling or any type of tillage will be counter productive by creating much deeper soil compaction. 
Ruts deeper than planting depth will need to be leveled before planter operation.  A good strategy may be to wait until a week or two before planting next spring and use a light tillage pass, such as with a field cultivator, light disk, harrow, or soil finisher.  If only a portion of the field is rutted, consider tilling only that area to avoid recompacting subsoil in other parts of the field. Waiting until warmer weather next spring allows for some potential drying of the top two or three inches of soil and avoids further compaction of wet, plastic soil on the surface – which will happen with a tillage pass this fall. If compaction effects are observed during the 2010 growing season and soil is dry after harvest, tillage next fall may be considered deep enough to break through the compacted layer.
Summary
• Rutting creates compacted soil and an irregular soil surface.
• Avoid deep tillage this fall to correct the problem as wet soil does not shatter/loosen.
• Shallow tillage next spring will level ruts for planter operation.

 Mark Hanna is an extension agricultural engineer in agricultural and biosystems engineering with responsibilities in field machinery. Hanna can be reached at hmhanna@iastate.edu or (515) 294-0468. Mahdi Al-Kaisi is an associate professor in agronomy with research and extension responsibilities in soil management and environmental soil science. He can be reached at malkaisi@iastate.edu or (515) 294-8304.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of December 14, 2009

The Agronomy Team and everyone at Stone Seed Group would like to take this time to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year for 2010. 

Due to the holidays, our next issue of the Field Focus will be posted January 8th, 2010!  See you next year!

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA                    (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA                   (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA                    (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 12/11/09

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.)  Snow came 10 days too early in Northern Illinois...many hundreds of corn acres still in the field covered by 8 to 12 inches of snow...those acres may be out there for many weeks...before the snow the yield has been progressively declining but now more bushels will be left in the field...today many acres of corn have gone down after a night of 40-50 mph winds.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  Cold and windy but not the snow that many have experienced.  We had about an inch of rain before it froze.  Most of the corn and soybeans have been harvested.  I would guess around 5% still needs attention.  Many small fields within fields still remain.  Several are doing fall tillage operations.  I think it may be counterproductive in many cases causing more compaction than eliminating it.  Some NH3 has been applied in past week.  We all hope the spring of 2010 to be friendly toward field operations as we will have a lot to accomplish.

CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.)   Scott Good and I finished my last plot Monday; 681-76 won, 8T468 was in the top 5 along with T-6N52.  I have quite a few people done now, and several only need 1- more day.  I am starting to get more orders, and confirmations.  For the most part, corn standing pretty well, on what’s left to harvest.  Keep on trucking, keep on selling!!

CENTRAL IL:  Nicole Forsberg (Clinton, IL – DeWitt Co.)  In the central region most of my growers are finishing up with harvest or done. Yields have been good. Compaction concerns are a topic for discussion. We will feel the impact of this wet harvest for a long time.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.)  Well for starters over here in Tuscola on this Thurs. afternoon,  it is COLD!  Guys got back out in the fields today to try and shell some more corn.  Several got done last weekend.  My cousin, Tom Pech, called me last night to report his 30 acre field north of Lincoln yielded 248.5 bu. per bu. across the scales with Stone’s T-6N52VT.  I also had a customer between Arthur and Sullivan have a 100 acre field ave. 242 bu. per acre with Stone’s 8T339VT3.  So things are starting to wind down over here and most yields are still pretty good considering the year we’ve had and the time and condition of the harvest.  I’m still checking fields of my corn and finding that it is still standing pretty good, which under these conditions is a good testament to our standability rating.  Happy Holidays everyone, Dennis Opperman

  Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of December 7, 2009

Soil Management of Harvest Ruts

By Mark Hanna, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, and Madhi Al-Kaisi, Department of Agronomy
Combines working in wet conditions to harvest crops have formed ruts in fields.  About three-fourths of combine mass and virtually all of loaded grain tank weight are carried on the combine front axle.  With good yields, grain tank extensions, and a 12-row head, front axle load can be 18 to 20 tons. 
The consequences of such wet conditions are significant soil compaction caused by this heavy equipment and yield reductions that will be realized next season. Compacted soil created beneath the rut may interfere with subsequent crop rooting and development. Ruts deeper than about two inches can also interfere with maintaining seed depth during planter operation next spring, unless they are leveled. 
Using tillage to loosen the soil and relieve compaction requires soil to be dry enough so that soil shattering is effective.  Because soil moisture has refilled the top 12 to 24 inches of the soil profile, deep tillage with a chisel plow or subsoiler this fall or next spring will use fuel and time – but is unlikely to loosen soil effectively between tillage shanks. However, the full soil moisture profile in upper layers will freeze and thaw over the winter and help loosen soil, depending on air temperatures and snow cover. Entering the field this fall in wet moisture conditions for deep tilling or any type of tillage will be counter productive by creating much deeper soil compaction. 
Ruts deeper than planting depth will need to be leveled before planter operation.  A good strategy may be to wait until a week or two before planting next spring and use a light tillage pass, such as with a field cultivator, light disk, harrow, or soil finisher.  If only a portion of the field is rutted, consider tilling only that area to avoid recompacting subsoil in other parts of the field. Waiting until warmer weather next spring allows for some potential drying of the top two or three inches of soil and avoids further compaction of wet, plastic soil on the surface – which will happen with a tillage pass this fall. If compaction effects are observed during the 2010 growing season and soil is dry after harvest, tillage next fall may be considered deep enough to break through the compacted layer.
Summary
• Rutting creates compacted soil and an irregular soil surface.
• Avoid deep tillage this fall to correct the problem as wet soil does not shatter/loosen.
• Shallow tillage next spring will level ruts for planter operation.
 Mark Hanna is an extension agricultural engineer in agricultural and biosystems engineering with responsibilities in field machinery. Hanna can be reached at hmhanna@iastate.edu or (515) 294-0468. Mahdi Al-Kaisi is an associate professor in agronomy with research and extension responsibilities in soil management and environmental soil science. He can be reached at malkaisi@iastate.edu or (515) 294-8304.

Soybean White Mold Fungicide Trial Results from the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center

As mentioned in issue 18 of the Bulletin, a soybean foliar fungicide trial focused on white mold (Sclerotinia stem rot, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum) was conducted at the University of Illinois Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center in DeKalb County this year. Results are presented in.

The treatments included products currently registered for white mold control in soybean (Topsin, Domark, and Endura) and those registered for control of other soybean diseases (Proline, Headline, Quadris, and Stratego). Some experimental treatments not registered on soybean were included. In addition, Cobra herbicide, which has white mold suppression listed on its label was included. In our trial, Cobra herbicide was applied at 12.5 fl oz/A; however, Valent's recommendation is 6 to 8 fl oz/A for white mold suppression in soybean. All treatments were applied at the R1 soybean growth stage (July 20), and a few experimental treatments were applied again nine days later.
The trial was conducted in a manner that would promote high disease pressure. Seed was planted in narrow (7-1/2-inch) rows at a high seeding rate. In addition, sterilized oat grains infected with the white mold fungus were spread throughout the entire experimental area one day after fungicides were applied at the R1 stage.
Keep in mind that one can't jump to conclusions when a field trial is conducted at only one location in only one year. The results observed in this trial will thus not be the same ones observed every time these treatments are applied. White mold disease pressure was very high in this trial. The incidence ratings collected approximately 3 weeks after the R1 treatment applications give an indication of product efficacy, but most of the treatments applied only once did not provide a long enough window of protection as observed by the incidence and severity ratings collected later in the season.
Overall in this trial, Cobra herbicide did a good job of suppressing white mold, which resulted in a yield benefit. For more information on Cobra and Topsin M for control of white mold, see a report from the University of Wisconsin (Adobe PDF), where these treatments were evaluated for white mold control in their trials in the 1990s.--Carl A. Bradley  Author:  Carl A. Bradley

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA                    (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA                   (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA                    (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 12/04/09        
   
DSM COMMENTS:
CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.)  It looks like more guys are finishing up yesterday and today, Tuesday, December 1st.  Most farmers were going in the corn this past weekend, until today.  Bean yields are higher than what were expected; some say they made more in beans.  In some cases bean yields are higher than last year, with the 2346NRR doing very good and the same with the 329, and 388.  Corn is very good (a little less than last year), and moisture is still at 20-21%, but standing pretty decently.  8T339 did very well this year along with 7T683.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.)  For starters over here in Tuscola, it is cold this Thursday morning.  I think we received at least a half of an inch of rain on Wednesday.  There is approximately 30 % of the corn still in the fields.  Our hybrids continue to shine.  In taking out my corn plot on Monday, T-6N52VT3 won the plot at 230 bu./acre, 33 bu. better than Pioneer P33N58 at 197 bu./acre.  In fact I had 11 hybrids that beat the Pioneer hybrid.  T-6N52VT3 hybrid is doing fantastic this year.  It won the eastern Illinois summary in the F.I.R.S.T. plots and won the northern Illinois plots also.  On Wednesday, I took out a small corn plot in Arthur where T-7N88VT3 won with a yield of 235 bu./acre beating Becks 7916VT3 by 25 bu.  On Tuesday I helped take out the corn on corn plot for Ag Answers Service in Sullivan, again we did well there.  In their corn plot, Stone Seed had 3 hybrids in the top 6 out of about 50 to 60 hybrids.  Now that we are into December, I want to remind everyone out there in the fields to be safe as they continue their harvest. 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of November 30, 2009

Harvest end is in sight for many Illinois growers.  Getting that last bit of corn harvested will still be a struggle due to saturated soils, and with the sudden change to colder temperatures, fall tillage may be questionable in some areas.  In recent weeks the district sales managers at Stone Seed Group have been very busy collecting plot data and side by side comparisons.  Thank you to all of our cooperators who have given their time to assist us during this harvest season. 

As we near the end of 2009, seed decisions for 2010 will largely depend on product performance in your fields and local plot data including Stone Seed Group plots and 3rd party plots such as FIRST Trials and University of Illinois.  The most important piece to bring it all together is your district sales manager who is the expert in his/her territory. 

Click on “2009 Plot Data” in the left hand side bar of this page to see all of our corn/soybean data collected to date or click on the following link: http://www.stoneseed.com/2009seedplots.htm.  There are two options to help you search for information.  By beginning at the top of the page you will find the first section allows you to select by region to find the information in specific geographies.  Scrolling down the page shows a second option beginning with all 3rd party organization data followed by Stone Seed Group plots and side by sides in alphabetical order by location. 

What do I look for?

• Evaluate several plot locations in your area (particularly in highly variable years)
•  Two excellent 3rd party resources are FIRST Trial summaries and University of Illinois many of which are on our site.
• Look for consistency in performance across sites.

Study multiple years if available; see “Farmer Resources” link on our Homepage for 2008 data

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA                    (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA                   (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA                    (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 11/20/09        
   
DSM COMMENTS:
WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)     Saturday of last week was the last good day of running for us.  Several growers finished in the nick of time with harvest and several more were seeing the light at the end of the tunnel before several inches of rain fell starting Sunday morning and continuing through Wednesday evening.  Elevators were still backing up early with wet corn but not quite as wet as we had been experiencing.  We will need another couple weeks of agreeable weather to complete our 2009 harvest. 

CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.)  Here in McLean Co. we had over 2“of rain.  Fortunately I have several smaller farmers that were able to get done. They worked hard until Sunday.  Beans are now done, average is in 53 – 60+ bu./acre range, surprising us all.  Corn is good, especially on the rolling ground, 200+ bu./acre and now down in teens low 20’s.  The drier corn moistures helped some elevator’s keep up.  Corn on the flat ground is not as good, too many wet spots.  My dealer in Tazewell Co. finished harvest as well as 3 accounts in Iroquois Co.  A customer in Vermillion Co. on rolling ground had his highest average ever.  What a year it has been with more challenges to come, just keep your head’s up.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.)  We received 5” of rain here in Tuscola since Sunday.  I think all the beans are out but there are still several fields of corn still standing out there in the rain.  As farmers are stranded in their offices for the next few days, I would encourage them to go on-line and look at how good Stone seed has done in the FIRST plots and the University of Illinois plots.  We were 2nd, 4th and 7th in the early season plot at the Findlay location in the FIRST plots and we were 1st and 2nd in the north region corn plot in the U of I plots.  We also finished in the top 3 and placed 4th out of the top 5 of the east central Illinois region of the U of I plots.  How much better can you get? 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of November 16, 2009

Upcoming University of Illinois 2010 Corn & Soybean Classics
It won’t be long before we begin a new year and with that are opportunities to sharpen our agronomic knowledge.  A great event to attend is the Corn and Soybean Classics. 
The 2010 program, emphasizing crop production, pest management, economics, and the interactions among them, will begin at 9:00 and conclude by 3:30. Market updates will be provided throughout the day, and communication among speakers and participants is encouraged. Question-and-answer sessions are scheduled for both morning and afternoon. Lunch and a proceedings with synopses of all presentations are included with registration.
Six Classics will be held around the state:

• January 6 (Wednesday)--Mt. Vernon Holiday Inn
• January 8 (Friday)--Champaign I Hotel and Conference Center
• January 11 (Monday)--Springfield Crowne Plaza
• January 12 (Tuesday)--Bloomington DoubleTree Hotel
• January 13 (Wednesday)--Moline i wireless Center
• January 14 (Thursday)--Malta Kishwaukee College

Terry Niblack--New Information on the Distribution and Management of Corn Nematodes in Illinois
Fabián Fernández--Sulfur for Corn Production in Illinois
Darrel Good--Evaluation of Corn and Soybean Yield Forecast Models for 2009
Vince Davis--High-Yielding Soybeans: What Is High? What Is the Challenge?
Gary Schnitkey--Determinants of Farm Profitability
Emerson Nafziger--Corn Traits and Hybrid Performance
Michael Gray--Managing Insect Pests in a 5% World: A New Odyssey
Aaron Hager--What Does Tomorrow Hold?
Carl Bradley--A Scabby Start with a Moldy Finish: A Look Back at the Major Field Crop Diseases of 2009
You can register for any of the Classics at www.cropsciconferences.org. Preregistrations, at a cost of $60, are accepted through December 20. Registrations received after that date and on-site are $75. If you have any comments or questions, please contact us at 800-321-1296.--Aaron Hager

Tammy’s Two Cents – Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there will be NO Field Focus for 11.27.09. 
We would like to wish all of you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
 See you back here in December. 

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA                    (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA                   (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA                    (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 11/13/09

DSM COMMENTS:
WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) The past week has made a huge dent in soybean and corn harvest progress.  Our 3 days of 75 degree highs with slight breezes had a very positive effect on field conditions and took a few points of moisture out of a wet corn crop.  NH3 application has begun as well as some selected field tillage practices, dry fertilizer applications and liming.  I have heard rumors to the effect of some recent bin fires, hopefully they are false.  If weather and machinery hold up several farmers will be done with harvest by week’s end.   Most (there are exceptions) full season crops are maintaining yields of 45 to 60 bu./acre for soybeans and 180 to 220 bu./acre for corn, dry yields respectively.   

CENTRAL IL: Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.) Bob Paine planted 6T672 with harvest results of 258 bu./acre in a 1/4 mile strip with 19% moisture. Soybean harvest in my area is now complete. The corn is finally drying down and much of it testing 19-25% moisture. The stalk quality seems to be pretty good, but won’t stay that way much longer. One customer told me that his 7T927 made 240 bu./acre and was his best corn on his worst ground. Farmers are about 1/3 – 1/2 done with corn harvest, another week and some will be finished.

 
CENTRAL IL: Russ Terry (McLean, IL – McLean Co.) Things are really rolling in my area. Most of the soybeans are just about finished up but we have a lot of corn to get picked. Growers are getting frustrated with the bottle-neck at the elevators, and some are trucking as far as 60 miles to an elevator that will take corn.  The bright side of this never ending harvest is that most of the corn being picked is making pretty good yields, and the instances of damage seem to be decreasing. It’s a little rough out here but we will get through it eventually.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Farmers in east central Illinois really made some head way this week with all the great weather.  A lot of beans are out and guys are concentrating on corn.  They can only shell half of a day with the elevators shutting down by noon most days.  From Champaign to Tuscola to Sullivan, as I talk to customers, I’m hearing corn yields from 180 to 210 bu./acre with moisture coming down to around 20% in a lot of places.  T-6N52VT3 finished 2nd in the Moultrie-Douglas Co. corn plot in Arthur.  We had 3 corn hybrids in the top 8 in Ag Answers huge corn plot in Sullivan, Ill.   Hope we continue to have good harvesting conditions and please continue to practice farm safety out there.  Go Illini, let’s beat the Wildcats.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of November 9, 2009

Tammy’s Two Cents – This fall has been a trying one to say the least. A lot of farmers have completed their soybean harvest and are now focusing on the corn. Please be careful as you are harvesting and drying down your corn crop. In the northern market area, I have heard and seen several grain dryers that have caught fire due to drying high moisture corn, as well as storing of 30%+ moisture corn and not properly drying it down causing it to rot and mold in the bin, creating a very dangerous clean-up atmosphere. Take care and be safe out there as you make the final stretch in harvesting for 2009.

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 11/05/09

Here in Springfield things are finally moving along well. We were able to get back in the field on Monday and were pleasantly surprised to find the corn had dried 5 pts. since our 10 day rain delay. Yields continue to be very strong with many exceeding last season’s record pace. On the soy front we had the majority of them harvested 2 weeks ago so quality at this time appears to be great. Another trend that we are really excited about is the dominance of the RR2’s. Our 2 growers here have both reported all time highs for their yields and have both stated that that is what they want to grow in the future. As I look through the FIRST test results that we have to date the RR2’s are dominate. In many plots they are nearly all the front page; this indeed is truly the technology for the Soybean grower’s future.
In corn plots, the germplasm of the GenSS varieties have been outstanding yield wise, but even more importantly they are truly 2 to 4 points drier. This year’s moisture differential is the difference between success and just average. On this topic I’m so impressed at the overall dry down of our entire lineup. Some years it’s easy to get fixated on pure yield because everything was dry, but when you have a year like this you can readily see why dry-down for yield is one of our most important selection criteria.
Please everyone be safe; it is human nature to push the limit in weather affected harvests but always remember “A delay is better than a disaster” so remember safety.

All the best,
Andy Stone

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Finally, after 5.5" of rain farmers are combining beans again. The beans are moldy and 14.5%; shattering is evident. Field conditions for combining corn are becoming better; however corn stalks are getting weaker. All tops are gone, ears are hanging on, and various molds are occurring on all kernels. After running through dryers the outside of the kernels are dry but the insides are still wet. As one farmer said, "6 hours of combining gives 56 hours of drying". With low test weights and high moisture, there is a large volume of wet corn out there.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Wet fields continue to plague harvest progress along with 20 to 26% moisture corn and 17-18% beans.  Beans did finally dry down to harvest moistures so many heads were changed over on Tuesday if you could get across the chosen field.  FM levels in corn don’t seem to be as prevalent as they were in earlier planted corn.  (2-4%)  Dry field average yields seem to be hanging in at the 190 – 240 range corn and 55 to 65’s beans.  Elevators are closing early in some areas to work thru drying loads.  Integrity (standability) of the crop continues to degrade but barring any windy weather we should be able to avoid severely downed corn.  Mudded and flooded crops are a different story.  All in all we in Central Illinois are counting our blessings as growers to the north and south of us are not fairing as well as we are.  Hang in there brothers.  Slow and steady wins the race.  Enjoy the current sunshine and take it a day at a time.  I know… easier said than done.  Stay Well and be safe out there. 

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL - Menard Co.) Central ILL is moving full throttle on harvest; cutting beans, picking corn and pulling out combines that went a little too far. Moistures are good on beans and quality is still fairly good on beans I have seen.  Corn is running 18-27% and standing well.  I was visiting with a dealer in western ILL and his RR2 beans were excellent, and on his farm in 2010 they will all be RR2’s.  Some elevators are having problems getting rid of damaged corn and trying to dry the corn coming in; some are shutting down at noon.  Corn yields are very good and beans are great.

CENTRAL IL: Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.) Things are going well here. Farmers are going back in corn today, Tuesday noon.  My dealer in eastern Tazewell Co. finished beans on 360 acres with an average yield of 63 bu./acre. A large customer in Vermillion Co. has his highest average corn yields ever. 45 acres made 216 bu./acre on rough ground. His 681-76 VT3 making 240 bu./acre out performing his DeKalb. There is still a lot of corn to get here, but several guys are almost done with beans. Most of the beans here are good, 50+ to 65 bu./acre! A new customer was so happy with T-6N52VT3 and WANTED KNOW WHY THE DEALER DID NOT SELL HIM MORE. HE WENT FROM A 6 BAG ORDER TO 60 BAGS, AND SOLD HIS NEIGHBOR 32.

CENTRAL IL: Matthew Meyer (Mapleton, IL – Peoria Co.) The sunshine has arrived! After last week’s rain, ranging from 2 inches to 5 inches the sun is shining bright! Farmers are going and they're going fast and a bit sloppy at times, but with the good weather week forecasted, farmers are getting into those fields. Later planted corn is still yielding well on the west central side of the state, with two hundred bushel averages not out of reach for most. Moisture is still a concern for some but with this week’s sunshine, maybe we can gain back a few points. Here's to a great harvest week in the fields!

CENTRAL IL: Russ Terry (McLean, IL – McLean Co.) Finally things are happening in my area. I have been in several combines already this week with growers picking corn wetter than they would like to see it. Others have been trying to tread as lightly as they can on the bean ground, cutting what seems to be a surprisingly good bean crop so far. I harvested a test plot on Otto Rentschler’s farm on Tuesday that had an average moisture of around 17.5% and an average yield of 232.5 bu./acre. The top three performing hybrids were: Stone 7T231VT3 with 262.09 bu./acre @ 17.0 % moisture, Stone 8T597VT3 with 249.41 bu./acre @ 17.8 % moisture and Stone T-6N52VT3 with 237.7 bu./acre @ 17.3 % moisture. We will be cutting beans on our farm Wednesday afternoon if things go well. I am excited about the RR2Y beans and look forward to seeing how well they will perform.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Tucker Beckmier (Atwood, IL – Douglas Co.) Harvest is progressing once again in east central Illinois.  Soybean harvest should be wrapped up in the next week and many farmers are well into corn harvest.  Moistures have come down a little in the last two weeks but corn is still wet.  Several elevators have started closing early because of the wet corn.  On the brighter side yields have been solid considering the growing year we have experienced.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.) The combines are really rolling down here! Most growers are cutting beans (testing anywhere from 11% to 15%). The beans are doing exceptionally well. Some 398's around Farina went 45 to 50 bu./ ac. You have to remember they didn't have any rain the month of August! The corn is still standing well and is drying down. I have tested some June planted corn and it is running around 23%. Not bad at all for how late it was planted! Growers are really excited to be back in the field and many are taking advantage of the non-dewy nights, with many of them running plenty past dark.

A Tough Harvest - Frequently Asked Questions: By Charles R. Hurburgh, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering
The difficult harvest has not gotten any easier. With most of the corn and still a significant percentage of soybeans still in the field, several management questions have come up very often.
Q.  With all this rainy weather, should we shut off fans and wait for the weather to improve?
A.  If you are drying with heated air, no. Keep the drying moving; in fact the rainy weather may be the only chance to catch up or keep up with the fast pace of wet grain once the weather improves. If you are drying with natural air, or are just cooling/holding wet grain, then it depends.  If the grain is reasonably dry (corn below 17 percent, soybeans below 15 percent), with uniform moisture and cool temperature (below 50F), then you can shut off the fans but remember to turn them back on. Otherwise, no you do not want to stop a drying or cooling front in the bin, and wetter grain heats so you need to keep control of temperatures. Grain picks up moisture from the air at about one-fourth the rate at which it dries so rewetting over short periods is not usually an issue.
Q.   Corn moistures are in the upper 20s or 30s and my dryer cannot keep up at all. What are options – time is getting late.
A.  There will likely not be much field drying any more. Recent rains have rewet some corn if the upright ears trapped water; sprouting in these cases may occur also. At this point, any choices are designed to buy time so that corn can be harvested, held and drying completed later. I will talk about elevator drying and shrink in another question.
Natural air/low temperature will still work, although slowly. In most air drying bins (depth less than 20 feet), about 1 hp/1000 bushel will handle up to 20 percent moisture, 2hp/1000 up to 22-23 percent. Beyond that, fan horsepower becomes too large and spoilage risk too high. Natural air will not finish drying this fall.
Heated air drying can be speeded up by removing hot corn and cooling in storage. Consider drying very wet corn in stages – down to 24-25 percent; cool, hold with air, re-dry to below 20, then use air the rest of the way. This will buy some time but will take more management, effort and cost.  Producers and elevators with a combination of drying systems will find more options to move and hold grain to capture short term capacity.
Q.  Corn test weights are low; why and what impact will that have?
A.  Corn lost test weight because of the rapid maturity advance in late August of what was a crop lagging in maturity. Kernel fill was not complete. Dry corn test weights are in the 52 -54 lb/bu. range, with less than normal increase during drying. This is about 3 lb/bu. less than average. Test weight loss during kernel fill means loss of weight per acre, in this case approximately 5 percent.
Low test weight corn spoils more rapidly and breaks more in handling, as we saw in 2008.  There will be storage problems in spring and summer of 2010, especially with the shortage of drying capacity and more grain held at higher moistures. Ethanol yields should not be significantly affected; light corn tends to be softer and lower protein, both of which favor ethanol yield. Feed users should test for mycotoxins from field molds, and expect lower protein corn with more small particles after grinding.
Q.  What about wet soybeans and high temperature drying?  Some soybeans are above 18 percent in the field yet.
A.  As with corn, there will probably not be much more field dry down. Soybeans react in storage like corn with 2 percent higher moisture – 15 percent soybeans respond about like 17 percent corn. Natural air is the best; the November air will dry beans to about 13.5 percent moisture which is dry enough to hold over the winter. The goal in heated air drying should be either to get the beans to 14 percent, still able to be held overwinter with aeration, or to the acceptance moisture of the market.
Many markets this year are cutting off acceptance at 15 percent moisture. Elevators are generally not designed to dry two products. The dryer, aeration and grain flow of wet material is usually arranged for corn only. In normal years, the few wet soybeans that are harvested are blended with the larger amount of dry beans. This year there are few dry beans. Crush processors cannot handle wet soybeans either; they are too soft to split correctly in the cracking rolls, which then makes the hulls (fiber) hard to remove.
Q.  Shrink and other charges for moisture seem to be going up. Why?
A. Soybeans are the most subject to these increases because the commercial elevators do not have the capability to dry soybeans efficiently. There have been dryer fires as a result of soybeans in corn dryers. Farm drying systems, especially bin dryers are more suited to soybean drying.
Normally moisture is handled with a combination of shrink deductions of weight and fees for drying. Shrink is intended to calculate, as closely as possible, the ending weight after both drying and storage-handling operations. Equivalent bushels after shrink to the market standard moisture are used for settlements, warehouse receipts and their regulatory verification, and other production related needs such as proven yields, loan collateral, and insurance adjustments.

Shrink adjustments are made with a percentage deduction per percent of moisture. Drying (water) loss is mathematically fixed depending on the ending moisture (15 percent normally for corn and 13 percent for soybeans), and independent of starting moisture or grain condition. Drying to 15 percent removes 1.18 percentage point of moisture; drying to 13 percent removes 1.15 percent. The difference between these figures and the actual factor used by the grain buyer is an allowance for handling and storage loss. In Iowa, shrink must be disclosed as the sum of the water and handling percentages – e.g. the common 1.40 percent per point is 1.18 for water and 0.22 for handling allowance. The total handling allowance goes up with the amount of moisture removed.   Two points removed gives 0.44 percent in this case; 5 points removed gives 1.1 percent, and so on.
Scientific tests have shown that, overall, grain elevators actually experience about 1 percent loss during storage and handling, and that farm systems lose about 0.5 percent, beyond the moisture removal.  The normal shrinks taken by elevators (1.35 percent or 1.40 percent) allow about enough handling loss at typical harvest moistures, with progressive increases for the less typical and more difficult-to manage higher moistures.
Problems arise when shrink factors are used as discounts or incentives beyond inventory weight balance. To keep accuracy in inventory and in other non-market uses of production data (such as proven yields, crop insurance settlements, and loan collateral), shrink should be used for weight only. There is no restriction in Iowa on either the shrink scale used or on the drying/handling fees that can be imposed to provide incentives. Recently soybean shrinks as high as 3.0 percent per point (1.2 for water and 1.8 for handling loss, per point) have been seen.  These are discouragements to high moisture beans, but will result in significant “long” inventories, from beans present but not listed on settlements.
Financially, the producer and elevator may end up in the same place with a high shrink or a lower shrink plus higher fees for drying, but producers needing accurate quantities for production records should discuss with buyers how to get weight records reflective of the actual dry bushels delivered. At 20 percent moisture dried to 13 percent, the 3.0 percent scale deducts 21 percent of the weight; 8.4 percent for water and 12.6 percent for handling losses.
Drying charges normally range from 4-6 cents per bushel per point of moisture, and must cover both the variable cost of dryer operations (fuels, labor, etc.) and the fixed cost return to the dryer investment. Farm dryers may dry at lower costs for variable costs only, but when the fixed cost of the dryer is included, total costs are often similar.

Charles Hurburgh is a professor of Agricultural and Biosystems . He can be contacted at (515) 294- 8629 or by email at tatry@iastate.edu.
This article was published originally on 11/1/2009 The information contained within the article may or may not be up to date depending on when you are accessing the information.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of November 2, 2009

The combines are rolling fast across Illinois, bringing impressive Stone Seed Group Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybean harvest and trial plot results. 

Stone Seed Group Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield® Soybeans Show Strong Performance in FIRST Trials.
Based on preliminary Farmer’s Independent Research of Seed Technologies (F.I.R.S.T), Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield® soybeans are posting great results over first generation Roundup Ready® technology in a wide range of seed brands in multiple locations.  Stone Seed Group results have been outstanding!  These trial results show that our Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2® soybeans are delivering strong yields across diverse geographies in Illinois. 

The following are sample results so far:

Tammy’s 2 Cents – With the continued rain and saturated fields, I found the following article on the University of Illinois Extension website and thought it to be 2 cents worth of information to share with you.

Reducing Soil Compaction in Wet Fields - Most producers know that going into a wet field with equipment will cause soil compaction. But with the late harvest season and wet soil conditions, many operators will take compaction as the lesser evil. Soils at field capacity will allow the greatest amount of compaction to occur. If compaction occurs this fall, it will probably still be noticeable during the next growing season. Uneven plant growth, ponded areas in wheel tracks, or evidence of dry-weather stress may be seen.
Duane Friend, natural resources management educator with University of Illinois Extension, says there are still some ways to reduce the amount of compaction that may occur.

Whenever possible, restrict traffic to specific tracks or lanes. The first trip through the field creates the greatest amount of compaction. Secondary trips over the same lanes do not significantly increase the amount of compaction in those areas. When unloading the combine, use the combine's previous wheel tracks. Never cross the field diagonally.
If you can't park the semi trucks on the adjoining road, keep them on the headlands. Research indicates that high surface contact pressure, such as from over-inflated tires, concentrates loads onto smaller areas and compacts soil. Using larger wheels and tires for floatation of a given load allows lower inflation pressures. Although less conclusive, research also suggests that large axle loads (greater than 10,000 to 15,000 pounds) may cause some compaction in subsoil, even if surface pressure is relatively light (e.g. 10 to 15 psi).

Once soil is compacted, time will be needed to reduce it, says Friend. Wetting/drying and freezing/thawing will diminish compaction over time, but Mother Nature should not be expected to correct problems by the next season. Some research suggests that only well-defined, compacted soil layers deeper than 4 inches below the soil surface are candidates for loosening or subsoiling.

Source: Duane Friend, Extension Educator, Natural Resources Management

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 10/30/09

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Yesterday was the first day in a week anyone has turned a wheel. With the 3.2" rain last Thursday, it has now created ponding in many bean fields, with another 1-2" rain expected tonight and Friday; needless to say no progress on bean harvest. Yesterday some have begun corn combining, and field conditions are not good. However, there are very good wet bushel yields but corn is all 30 percent moisture and above with test weights of 47-52 lbs. The elevators are just not able to handle all wet corn. Diplodia is becoming prevalent on corn and beans are becoming moldy.

CENTRAL IL: Russ Terry (McLean, IL – McLean Co.) It seems like we are all in the same…ARK. Harvest progress in my territory ranges from zero to about 25% on both corn and beans.  A little progress was made over the weekend and early in the week on corn, which like everything else is plenty wet. Moisture is still ranging from the low 20’s to the mid 30’s and it seems that the horror stories of damage in the corn have diminished slightly. Concern about the bean harvest is becoming greater with every wet day that keeps us from cutting. At this point a few growers would welcome a good freeze.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dave Meyer (Mattoon, IL – Coles Co.) It’s been wet in the east-central part of the state.  We had a surprise on Monday, October 26th; we actually were able to get back into the fields.  Soybean harvest is slow, but we’re probably about 40% done as an average, and corn harvest is about 10% done.  We are lucky that planting ran so late this year, because we don’t have a lot of diplodia.  Yields here seem to be really good for soybeans, except on the east side where we actually had some dry weather hit in July and August, so they’re running from 40 to 65 bu./ac..  Corn is still wet, running from 19% to 30% plus.  Yields look to be O.K., from 160 to 230 bu./ac..  We are not tracking in the fields too badly yet, but about another inch or two will do it.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Things continue to be wet over here in east central Ill.  I had a customer near Sullivan tell me that last week he harvested 218-220 bu./acre corn from 681-76VT3.  I’m scheduled to help take out the Moultrie-Douglas corn plot in Arthur on Thursday morning.  T-6N52RR has looked real good for me as a refuge in the fields so far.  I see that Stone Seed Group’s RR2 soybeans have done really well in the Ill “F.I.R.S.T.” plots.  It looks like a lot of rain is coming, so good luck to everyone in trying to continue with this harvest.  Let’s beat the Wolverines this Saturday. 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of October 26, 2009

DRYING SOYBEANS:
Drying Soybeans in 2009 - (Matt Roberts, Grain Quality Specialist, Purdue Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department) The cool and wet fall coupled with a desire to get into the field as soon as possible following rainy weather has many producers throughout the state harvesting soybeans at higher than normal moisture contents. Harvest moistures have been ranging from 10% - 20%. With this wide variation in moisture many growers are questioning what to do, particularly with the soybeans that are above the “safe” storage moisture of 13%. Producers should approach the issue of drying beans with caution. High drying temperatures of 160 – 180°F can lead to excessive seed coat cracking, thus resulting in more splits. Drying will produce fewer splits if the air relative humidity is kept above 40%. For example, if outside air is 60°F with a relative humidity of 80%, it should not be heated above 80°F because when heated to that temperature air relative humidity will be 40%.
Medium temperature drying: In situations where continuous flow dryers or bin dryers are utilized, higher temperatures may be used on high moisture beans. However, soybean exposure should be limited. If seed quality or splits are not a major consideration soybeans may be dried in continuous flow driers at temperatures ranging from 120 -140°F. Exposure to these temperatures should be limited to no more than one-half hour, depending on the initial moisture of the beans. When heat is added to bin dryers, it should be intermittent so that the beans are not exposed to high heat for an extended period of time.
Low temperature drying: Natural air drying is another acceptable means by which to dry soybeans. With adequate ambient temperatures, and lower humidity, 2 -3 points of moisture can easily be removed in a bin. This assumes that the bin is equipped with a drying floor that will produce uniform airflow. Typically 1 to 2 cfm/bu is desirable for natural air drying. Growers should be aware that this process may take up to several weeks to complete depending on the depth of the grain mass. The natural air drying process can be speeded by placing a layer in the bin and drying that layer before the next is added. Another option is to use a bin equipped with stirrers that thoroughly mixes the grain within the bin during drying. Here again, careful monitoring of the bin is important to make sure excessive splits are not occurring, particularly during stirring.

Further considerations: If high moisture beans were added to a bin early and then lower moisture beans where added to the same bin over the next several days, operators should expect the drier beans to eventually pick up moisture. As the air moves through the wet beans at the bottom of the bin it will dry them but then carry the moisture to the grain above. Given enough time, the moisture will be pushed completely through the grain mass.
For more information regarding handling and storage of high moisture soybeans see “Grain Quality Fact Sheet #27 Harvesting,
Drying, and Storage of Frost Damaged Corn and Soybeans” at <http://www.grainquality.org>. Click on “Extension Publications” tab and then go to “Drying, Conditioning and Aeration”

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 10/23/09

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Just not much harvesting going on; grain is too wet and weather is too rainy. Most of the corn moisture is 30-35 percent with very low test weight. The Rochelle ethanol plant rejected 2 loads of corn with test weight at 48 pounds. Stalks are becoming soft at the 1st node below the ear; the stalk integrity is not going to remain very good for a long period of time. The elevators will not be able to handle the large amounts of wet corn coming in. Soybean yields are all over the board, anywhere from 18 bu./acre on the low and as high as 65 bu./acre. White mold has taken a huge top off the soybean yields and our Stone Seed Group 3A259’s appear to be the best bean with consistent yields. That being said, only about 3 percent of the corn has been harvested and 10 percent of beans harvested and this is October 22.

NORTH CENTRAL IL: Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.) Harvest got into full swing this week with the seasonal like temperatures. Soybeans are yielding anywhere from 40 to 60 bu./acre . White mold has really affected the soybean yield in Knox, Warren and Stark counties. Corn moisture is ranging from 24 to 36 percent. Overall yields are below last year but still above average, with yield monitors going from 140 to 270 bu./acre in the same field. I had a soybean plot with 2R2600 going 63.6 bu./acre taking 1st place, 9 bu./acre better than 92Y08. Stone Seed Group 2R2900 RR2Y yielding 60.5 bu./acre in the same plot with white mold present in all varieties. The rain forecast for the next two days will slow harvest.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) There was a saying when I was young, “Choose your ruts wisely, you’ll be in them for the next several miles.”  We have been making a few and will have to deal with them another day.  Farmers have been picking their fields since Saturday.  It was real decent going by Wednesday but the weatherman says we could expect 1-2 inches of rain from Thursday pm to Friday pm.  At least we made some progress.  Corn is drying slowly about 2.5 points a week to 10 days.   Beans have been getting most of the combine attention.  It’ll happen, just not as quickly as we like.

CENTRAL IL: Andrew Musselman (Morton, IL – Tazewell Co.) As of noon today, only a half a tenth of rain fell.  It looks like more to come.  For the month of October, we had six recordable rain events totaling 1.95”. Many beans were harvested over the past several days, with some corn harvest taking place. One field of Stone 3A319NRR went 54 bu./acre near Toluca.  Last week a strip of Stone 7T231VT3 yielded 229 bu./acre at 30.2% moisture, near Tremont. The F.I.R.S.T. plot results (http://www.firstseedtests.com/) are beginning to come in from Illinois and other states.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Scott Good (Milford, IL – Iroquois Co.) Greetings from east central IL.  There finally has been time to harvest for a few days in a row.  Instead of going out and combining for 4 hrs to fill the dryers just to do something, the area has been able to focus on taking out all of their beans.  Now the focus can turn to corn.  The early planted corn (April 23 – May 5th) is obviously the driest, being at 19-22% on 108-114 day corn.  Corn that was planted 1 wk later on May 11th is ranging from 25% - 32%.  This is obviously going to cause some problems. With temperatures close to 70 degrees and plenty of wind this week the corn has had a late opportunity for some dry down.  In samples pulled on Saturday October 17th compared to October 21st I have personally seen a 1% - 1.5% drop in moisture.  The future weather forecast does not look to be in our favor.  With the slow wet and cool spring to a mild – cool summer to a wet and cool fall surprisingly enough yields have been very substantial.  Bean yields have reached as high as 70 bu./acre and the few reports on corn that I have received, we have had dry yields of over 200bu/ac.  This will definitely be a year to remember!!

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Harvest got under way again over here in east central IL early in the week.  Beans are running around 60 bu./acre and corn is still wet, although some guys are taking some out of the fields and drying in their dryers at home.  I took out a really good plot at a dealer’s location in Nashville, Ill. on Wed.  Garrett Maschhoff had a high of 224 bu./acre out of T-6N52VT3, with 681-76VT3 right behind at 223bu./acre.  The plot had 12 entries with an average of 208 bu./acre. Pioneer’s P33N58 came in at 199.5 bu./acre.  That’s a 25 bu. advantage with the Stone winner for approximately $75/acre profit increase.  Good luck to everyone working in the fields, be safe and above all let’s beat the Boilers.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of October 19, 2009

Aerial Wheat Seeding

     With crops coming out so late, wheat plantings are a challenge this fall.  Even if the crops have been harvested, the land has been too wet to till.  The question arises; what about aerial seeding?

---The ideal time to have aerially seeded wheat into soybeans would have been when 10% of the soybean leaves were dropping.  The soybean leaves would have provided some necessary mulch for the wheat. 

---Regardless of whether you drill or aerially seed wheat, in many areas it is very late in the season.  You’re entering into the “how lucky do you feel” stage.

---If you still want to try aerial seeding, keep an eye on these factors:
1. Your seeding rate would be around 100-130#/acre.
2. Frost heaving can be a real issue; there would be little protection of the wheat crowns.
3. Watch for slugs; slugs love wheat as germination begins.

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 10/16/09

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Sunday morning we had a temperature of 24 degrees. Monday the smell of sour corn was in the air with most corn ¼ milk line or less, so not much yield loss from that end. There are a few growers combining corn with test weights of 47 to 50 lbs and moisture from 28-38%. Combining is really tough, most using air compressor to blow out every round, seems to be plenty of corn yield though. We had sprinkles on Monday and Tuesday, with Wednesday and Thursday having more steady rain. Soybeans seem to be pretty good where very little white mold present. Combining of both corn and beans is very limited and not much will be done until next week. Expect stalk quality to go downhill quickly, very little down corn to date.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Wet conditions continue to plague the area.  We had upwards of 2 inches of rain in the past 48 hrs.  The corn moisture has been slow to drop due to lack of sunshine and heat. The potential for sunny weather coming in this weekend will allow harvest to continue but ground conditions will still be marginal.  Bean harvest may take priority over corn.  Very little if any wheat has been sowed due to wet conditions. 

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) There is not much going on with all the rain this week over here in east central Ill.  I did have a new customer from last year who harvested a 40 acre field of T-6N52VT3 that made 196 bu. dry.  Other than that, I’m hearing a lot of 60 bu. plus beans.  Guys are just sitting and ready to go when it clears and dries up. 

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL - Menard Co.) Harvest in central IL came to a halt once again as I am sure it has throughout IL. There was some corn being harvested in western IL earlier in the week at 24-30% moisture. I walked a field of 7V770 and it was standing good and running around 25%, planted the third week of May.  When this weather breaks there will be a lot of beans cut in my area, and they will try to pick up down corn from the tornado earlier this year. There has been a little field work done, but that too may be over.   

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.) Most of the immediate area received between 3-5 inches of rain last Wednesday (10/7) night into Thursday morning (10/8).  There were a hand full of growers that took advantage of the window before the big rain and had the opportunity to sow some wheat.  After the big rain, it is unsure how well the wheat will emerge. Surprisingly, the big rain soaked up really well.  There were reports of a couple of combines rolling by this Monday (10/12).  They were shelling corn and cutting beans.  The growers that I have been talking to that have started shelling corn say that the corn is testing between 17%-20%.  The area again received around an inch of rain this Tuesday (10/13) night into Wednesday morning.  This pretty much put a stop to the action that was going.  Many growers that I have been visiting with have been working on getting the bins ready to dry corn.  Most of the corn I have been testing by hand has been ranging anywhere from 17% to 30%.  It all depends on where you are located, how early you got into the field, and what type of hybrid you planted.  The forecast for next week is supposed to be pretty nice weather, with a good chance of it warming up and the sun shining.  If this is indeed correct, I foresee many growers getting into the field, in certain areas, and making a dent into their harvest.

There was no Illinois Crop Progress Report for October 12th due to the Columbus Day Holiday, so we left the October 5th for anyone that may not have seen it.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of October 5, 2009

Harvesting High Moisture Corn
With corn coming in from the fields at 28-35% moisture, it presents many challenges for test weights, shrink, drying, storage, etc. Here are some miscellaneous formulas to aid in decision making.

The time required to push a temperature front through grain depends on airflow rate. To estimate how many hours it will take to push a temperature front through grain, divide 15 by airflow rate in cu. ft. min./bushels.
Example: 1 cfm/bu. 15 ÷ 1 = 15 hours
.5 cfm/bu. 15 ÷ 5 = 30 hours
.1 cfm/bu. 15 ÷ 1 = 150 hours

Estimating High Temperature Drying Cost
Propane cost for high temperature drying corn can be estimated using the following formula. Cost/bu. – pt. = 0.022 x propane price/gal.  For example, the drying cost is $0.022/ bu.-pt. if the cost of propane is $1.00, 0.022 x $1.00. It will cost about $26.00 for propane to remove 10 percentage points of moisture from 120 bushels of corn using $1.00 propane.

Estimating Drying Fuel Requirement
The estimated quantity of propane needed to dry is 0.02 gallons per bushel per point of moisture removed. For example, 24 gallons of propane is needed to dry 120 bushels of corn from 25% to 15%. (0.02 x 120 bu. x 10 pts.) This is based on 0.72 pounds of water being removed per point of moisture per bushel, 2,500 Btu of heat required to remove a pound of water in a high temperature dryer, and a propane heat content of 91,500 Btu/gallon.
 
Moisture Shrink
Moisture shrink is the reduction in weight as the grain is dried one percentage point. Moisture Shrink Factor = 100 (100 – final moisture content). The shrink factor drying corn to 15.5% is 1.1834. The shrink drying corn from 20.5 to 15.5 would be 5 x 1.1834 = 5.92%.

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 10/08/09

DSM COMMENTS:

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Many growers have switched over to soybeans as moisture in some places dropped to the mid 10% range.  That was before we got our 48 hour ration of rainfall.  Field conditions are greasy to say the least with more rain predicted Thursday.  We all hope they are wrong.  Yields have been encouraging in soybeans as well as corn.  Standability of the corn crop has maxed out.  From here on especially with the rains and fall winds we have been receiving, the plant integrity will gradually be reduced.   Every harvest hour we can squeeze in will help later on in the season.  Some fall liming and fertilization along with fall tillage has taken place in selected fields.

CENTRAL IL: Andrew Musselman (Morton, IL – Tazewell Co.) Harvest is very slow.  Corn plant color varies from all brown to two-thirds green. Very little corn has been picked, slightly more in McLean County than elsewhere in my territory; the same is true of beans.  Most beans are starting to turn.  When it dries out, many beans will be ready to cut.  One report in southern Tazewell county of Stone 3A298NRR at 61 bushels an acre, 12.6% moisture.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Jay Ryan (Pana, IL – Christian Co.) I think I can probably speak for everyone by saying: Harvest cannot get here quick enough!  Unfortunately it is still going to be a good couple weeks until corn harvest really starts.  Soybean harvest is just getting started with the early group 3’s.  So far yields are fantastic and hanging in the 55 bu./acre to 70 bu./acre range, it just depends on drainage which side of the range you are on.  What little corn that was poked in towards the end of April has been getting picked.  Here again drainage is the key on yields.  Yield ranges are extreme with 150 bu./acre the low so far and 240 bu./acre the high on “that 20 on the hill” that drains.  Moisture has been between 18 and 24 on the April planted corn.  I have done some moisture checks on 110 -112 day hybrids planted in the May 20th time frame and are seeing about 28% to 32%.  As a general statement the June planted corn is yet to reach black layer and looks to be another week to 10 days before we see it.  So far test weights seem to be about 5% less than last year.  It is going to be an interesting year to watch the yield monitor.  I was riding with a customer and seen 80 bu. to 309 bu. all in the same pass in a half mile field!  Harvest is going to be late this year so please remember to be patient and over all be safe.

Tammy’s Two Cents
With the wet, cool spring, summer and fall that we’ve experienced throughout most of 2009, the potential for mold in our grain is higher than normal. As you are out harvesting this fall, please take appropriate precautions against the hazards of dust and mold that may be present in the grain. Below is an article that I came across in the National Ag Database and thought it would be worth my Two Cents to pass along. Have a Safe and Bountiful 2009 Harvest.

DUST AND MOLDS
Dust and molds are commonly found when harvesting grains that did not fully mature before the first frost and the harvest season was wet and cool.
Dusts, which can develop from small particles (fines) created during the harvest of immature grains, may result in organic toxic dust syndrome (OTDS) among individuals. Depending on personal susceptibility, OTDS can develop after a single exposure to dust and molds or may take several exposures before symptoms develop. Flu-like symptoms such as coughing, chills, fever, fatigue, muscle aches, and sometimes shortness of breath that may begin two to six hours after exposure are symptoms of OT S. Persons usually feel better within two to three days, but fatigue and shortness of breath may continue for weeks. Severe cases may require medical attention.
Molds that can develop in corn can also produce pneumonitis in humans. Symptoms include fever, drippy nose, persistent cough and pneumonia. Symptoms may appear within a few hours after exposure, or may take up to two weeks to develop.
Farmers can protect themselves with a dust mask that is manufactured to filter pollen and plant mold spores. Do not count on a standard painter:s mask to provide protection from mold or grain dusts.
There are several brands available, including a 3-M 8710 or equivalent, or a 3-M 9920 or equivalent. The cost of these types of masks are about $1 each. Face masks with disposable cartridges are also available. Dispose of the mask or filters when normal breathing becomes difficult through the unit.

Farmers who rely on dust masks or filters for much of their work may want to consider an air-purifying helmet that provides the wearer with constant purified air. These helmets cost about $700, but workers find them more comfortable to wear for long periods of time than masks or masks and face shields.

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of October 5, 2009

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 10/01/09

DSM COMMENTS:

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) It is great weather for bird watching, certainly not for maturing corn. We still need 2 weeks without frost to be in a safe zone. There are a few beans being combined; in one field of 2.4 maturity beans where there was no white mold present, the yield was 65 bu./acre, however in areas where white mold was present the yield was 41 bu./acre. More beans will be ready to combine by the end of next week.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Around Tuscola and Champaign, activity is still a little slow in the fields.  I have a customer 4 mi. north of Tuscola who has harvested 160 acres of 3A319NRR beans at a 60 bu./acre average.  I have 2 other customers around Sullivan who have had an average over 200 bu./acre on their T-6N52VT3 corn.  Other than that most guys are getting ready to get started later next week.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.) This past week there has been a little corn shelled, and even more beans cut. What I have heard is the beans are testing 11% to 12% with corn anywhere from 16% to 28%. In the early planted corn we are seeing anywhere from 0% to 50% kernel damage from ear rot. The corn and bean yields are very good in the early planted crop. Some of my area was hit with hail this past Saturday. There were pods knocked to the ground and beans knocked out of the pods on the drier beans. Guys are getting worried about the crop drying down. I am noticing some of the corn is taking a week to dry down a point.

SOUTHWEST IL: Neil Gray (St. Louis, MO) Yields are starting to trickle in via plots and field averages.  Hybrids with a better disease rating seem to have the edge as of now in the yield game.  The yield averages coming in, low end range has been around the 170’s and on the high end averages in the 270’s.  Some talk of ear molds but nothing large by any measure.  No growers are excited about planting wheat, with the price being what it is. 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of September 28, 2009

Corn Maturity and Drydown

As we enter the month of October, concern continues to mount about high corn moisture and how this month and most likely next month’s weather will affect field drydown and doubly so for both crop maturity and drydown for our later planted corn. Two questions rise to the top: “my corn has just recently dented; how long will it take to mature?” Secondly, “my crop is mature; how long might it take to dry down?”

Based on information in Table 1, corn that is in the “Late Dent” stage will take roughly 10-15 days to fully mature. If the milk line is half-way visible down the kernel (Figure 1), then an average of 5 days is needed to fully mature.

Based on information in Table 1, corn that is in the “Late Dent” stage will take roughly 10-15 days to fully mature. If the milkline is half-way visible down the kernel (Figure 1), then an average of 5 days is needed to fully mature.

Derived from Behnken and Breitenbach, 2004; Hicks (2004), and Afuakwa and Crookston (1984); Lauer (1997), and Schmidt and Hallauer, 1966

Figure 1: Milk-line photo credit: Mississippi State University

In 2008, the Illinois corn crop had matured prior to a killing frost. Premature plant death from a killing frost will stop kernel dry matter accumulation and cause early black layer formation. This will result in higher grain moisture and a lower grain test weight.

Black Layer Test: You can easily check for black layer formation by scraping the base of a fully
developed kernel with your fingernail. If the kernel is mature, you will see a brown to black layer
that forms when dry matter accumulation is complete.

Check your late planted corn to see if it has matured by using the quick thumbnail test described above. If it has, no dry matter loss will occur following a killing frost regardless of whether the crop is field dried or bin dried.

The delayed planting and cooler than normal growing season will have a great effect on harvest-time moisture this year. As the fall season progresses the rate of field drying corn will slow down. Information from Indiana and Illinois suggests that during good fall weather we can expect mature corn to dry at about 0.5 % points per day until the middle of October and half of that rate after the middle of October. With warm temperatures and low humidity, we may exceed the .5% rate of field drydown. However, cool, wet weather can reduce this to .1% point or less and even add moisture.

If you see corn with the tops dying back, don’t automatically assume it is anthracnose.  Yes, anthracnose is one possibility, but so are certain hybrids with that characteristic, environmental stresses, and insect damage.  To check for anthracnose this late in the season, peel back the leaf sheaths and look for the black lesions on the stalk.  Split the stalk, and look for rotted or discolored pith.  You may also see a jelly-like substance with spores or fruiting bodies mixed in it.

RR2Y Soybeans (Below)

Walking through plots, we’re seeing more beans this year demonstrating the “finish strong at the end” characteristic of a large cluster of fully developed pods at the top of the stalk.  You can see it in a number of the RR2Yld varieties.  The field may look dark from a distance, but when you look at it closer you can see the yield boost that is coming from the later forming pod clusters.

BUR CUCUMBERS (Below)

Bur cucumbers and morningglory vines that form a blanket over beans and wrap themselves around corn stalks are no fun to combine.  Here are some herbicide options if you’re desperate.  If you’re dealing with a blanket mass of vines, the Gramoxone (being a contact killer) will only kill the top layer.  The Roundup and 2-4,D are systemic; they’ll move in the plant.

---ROUNDUP----CORN   Spray at least 7 days before harvest when the grain moisture is 35% or less and the black layer is present at the base of the kernels.
SOYBEANS---Spray at least 14 days before harvest, after the pods have set, and the green color is gone from the pods.  If your field is seed beans you may not want to take this option due to a potential reduction in seed germination and/or vigor.

GRAMOXONE---The corn should be at black layer, and at least 7 days before harvest.  The beans should be sprayed only after 65% of the pods have reached a mature brown color or when seed moisture is 30% or less, and at least 15 days before harvest.

2-4,D ester---For corn, there is a label that allows for spraying up to 1 qt./acre after dent stage.  

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 9/24/09

DSM Comments:

NORTH CENTRAL IL: Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.) Very little harvest activity in Knox, Stark, and Warren Counties. Soybeans will be ready next week. Some 3A259 beans were harvested last Friday at 60 bu./acre yields. The field did not have white mold. Scattered rainfall has kept everyone out of the fields this week. There was some 100 day corn harvested in Warren County yielding 185 bu./acre with 25% moisture.

CENTRAL IL: Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McLean Co.) There isn’t much going on here.  I saw minor occurrences of White Mold in 2346NRR’s near Bloomington, and also in Hopedale.  One farmer near Maroa just began harvesting a 672 type corn that had been planted mid-May.  I’m not seeing any stalk rots as I did last year, but I am seeing Diplodia ear rot south of Bloomington and near Downs.  Next week a few guys will start corn, and a few others will be harvesting 2.9 maturity beans.  One customer near Heyworth says he sees more pods in his RR2Yield beans as compared to his regular Roundup beans; he likes the way his RR2 Yield beans look!

EAST CENTRAL IL: Craig Saddoris (Shelbyville, IL – Shelby Co.) Light rainfall hampered what little harvest that had started.  Late planted April corn was ranging from 19-25% across local elevator scales.  Soybeans have taken the biggest turn in central Illinois over the last two weeks.  Many growers in this area are planning on starting soybean harvest in the next two weeks, then focusing on corn.  Biggest topic of late is Diplodia.  Many reports of 5-9% samples in early planted corn.  Cooler temps and rain forecasted over the next few days has us all wondering when this crop will mature.  Good Luck and Be Safe to ALL.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Here at noon it is drizzling rain on Thursday and the farmers are awaiting the chance to get in the fields.  Most field work is 7 to 10 days off yet around here in Douglas Co., although I did spend Monday afternoon in the combine with one of my Moultrie Co. customers as we watched him harvest 6N52VT3 at the rate of about 220 bu. per acre.  I haven’t heard of any bean yields yet but the crops are starting to turn and dry nicely from all the dry weather we’ve had in Sept.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Last Sunday brought a large amount of rainfall measuring in excess of 6 inches in a 3 hour period.  The bull’s-eye seemed to be Morgan Co.  Much localized flooding resulted in crop damage in low lying areas and structural damage to many roads.   Harvest of corn and soybeans will commence when ground and drying conditions return.  Recent forecasts call for rain events possible through Sunday.  Otherwise we are posed at the red light double checking our equipment. 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of September 21, 2009

Curiosity Bugs in the Bean Fields

As we wind down the year, you may be seeing a couple of insects in your beans that you don’t normally see.  The Mexican bean beetle can be a serious pest in parts of Indiana and farther east, but here in Illinois it is usually just a curiosity.  The adult beetles eat holes in the bean leaves and may cause some light scarring on the pods.

Green stink bugs usually make their appearances starting in mid August.  They feed on seeds, and will cause some malformation or discoloration, but are usually a minor occurrence.

Scouting for Stalk Rots and Lodging Potential

With the extreme weather events and resulting stresses encountered by the corn crop this season, stalk health may become a concern going into harvest. Stalk integrity becomes compromised by stalk rots and stalk cannibalization which increase the potential for lodging and associated harvest difficulties and yield loss. With most of the corn crop at or near black layer, now is the time to start evaluating stalk quality.

Stalk Rots and Symptoms
Stalk rots are present to some degree every year but become more prevalent when the plant is subjected to stress during grain fill. Stresses favoring stalk rot development include drought, saturated soil conditions, nutrient deficiency or imbalance, excessively cloudy weather, insect injury, foliar diseases, and hail damage. The first symptoms of stalk rot appear as wilted leaves which turn grayishgreen or brown and have the appearance of frost damage. The lower portion of the stalk turns from green to tan or dark brown and can be easily crushed. Often, dead plants may be observed scattered amongst healthy green plants. Splitting of the stalks will reveal disintegrated and discolored pith tissue. The discoloration originates at the nodes and depends upon the particular pathogen present. Listed below are some of the common stalk rots and symptoms associated with each.

Anthracnose Stalk Rot-Infection by anthracnose stalk rot produces distinctive shiny black lesions on the outside of the stalk. The lesions can be found at the base of the stalk extending up several internodes. The pith tissue will appear brown and decayed. Anthracnose stalk rot may cause top dieback and premature plant death.

Gibberella Stalk Rot-Stalks infected with Gibberella stalk rot have a characteristic pink to reddish discoloration of the pith tissue. Near the lower nodes on the outside of the stalk may be small round black specks that can be easily scraped from the surface.

Fusarium Stalk Rot-Fusarium stalk rot produces symptoms similar to Gibberella stalk rot but causes a whitish-pink to salmon discoloration of the pith tissue.

Diplodia Stalk Rot-The distinguishing characteristic of Diplodia stalk rot is the development of small black specks on the lower nodes. Unlike Gibberella, the specks produced by Diplodia are embedded in the rind tissue and cannot be easily scraped from the stalk surface.
Source: Iowa State University Entomology Image Gallery. http://www.ent.iastate.edu/imagegal/plantpath/

Anthracnose	Gibberella	Diplodia

Stalk Cannibalization
Cannibalization of the stalk refers to remobilization of nutrients and carbohydrates from the lower portion of stalk to fulfill the demands of the developing ear. This situation often occurs under favorable grain filling conditions when nutrients are limited. The result is a weakened stalk and an increased risk for the development of stalk rots. Nitrogen deficiency in particular will promote stalk cannibalization and since nitrogen deficiency was prevalent this season due to excessive spring rainfall, it is likely that stalk cannibalization has occurred in many fields.

Scouting for Stalk Lodging Potential
There are two methods that work equally well for scouting stalk lodging potential. The first involves pinching or squeezing the stalk at the first or second elongated internode just above the brace roots. Another way to evaluate stalk quality is to push the plants at ear height 45 degrees from the upright position. If the stalk is easily crushed or compressed when squeezed or remains bent over when pushed, a stalk rot is probably present and there is a significant risk of lodging. Twenty plants at each of 5 locations in the field should be evaluated for stalk rots. If 10-15% of the plants evaluated exhibit stalk rot symptoms, the field should be scheduled for an early harvest.

Stalk Quality and Harvest Considerations
With high drying cost, decisions will be made on whether to incur the high cost or delay harvest and allow for additional field drying. The important point to keep in mind is that as the crop remains in the field stalk deterioration continues. The key is to monitor stalk quality and schedule problem fields for early harvest. The high cost of drying wet grain remains the better option when compared to the potential yield loss associated with harvesting lodged corn.

Sources: 1. Corn Diseases. Iowa State University. PM 596 August 2000
2. R.L. Nielsen. Stalk Health Issues in Stressed Corn. August 12, 2003. http://www.kingcorn.org/news/articles.03/StalkHealth-0813.html
3. Corn Stalk Rots. Universtiy of Illinois Extension. RPD No. 200. December 1995

CLICK ON IMAGE BELOW TO GET A CLOSER LOOK!

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 9/18/09

DSM COMMENTS:
NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) It sure has been a good run of well deserved weather in Northern Illinois. The lack of moisture has slowed the progress of white mold, and the few aphids that were here have disappeared. Beans are really changing but still have a couple of weeks to go for the early varieties. Corn is moving and much is hard dent but there is still some in cream style stage; anthracnose setting in with some corn lying down. There will be very little corn harvest until late October.

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL - Menard Co.) White mold has arrived in my part of the world, in fact about 3 miles from my house in Menard County.  Harvest has begun in southern Ill. just north of St. Louis.  Some of the dryer corn around here is running 23 to 26 %.  A few fields have had combine checks, but still too wet at 29%. Silage chopping and some harvesting started around Detroit IL.  Corn appears to be standing good and stalk quality is better than some producers had thought it would be.  Soybeans are turning in some areas meaning harvest could begin next week on some 3.5 beans next week.  The RR2 beans look great and harvest has high expectations.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) South West Central Illinois - The past 2 weeks we have seen a flurry of activity in scouting for the soybean aphid.  Several thousand acres were treated for pests (ground and aerial) and many more stewed over, scouted and decided maturity of crop, presence of beneficial insects, population declines or status quo, or insurance issues did not warrant treatment.  The advent of soybean aphids in this area was very new to us and we went through a rapid learning curve in dealing with them.  Corn leaf aphids at the same time seemed to increase also but not at the levels of soybean aphid.  We are in a time frame right now when a nice ½ to 1 inch rain would be appreciated.  The corn crop barring tornado winds is standing well, but many diseases are present, which could create some lodging issues as we wait for this crop to dry down.  A handful of growers in the area have been harvesting some corn planted prior to the 15th of April.  Moisture has been from 17% to 26% and yield in the 200 – 220 bu. range dry corn.  I have noticed some Diplodia in this earlier planted corn.  The cool nights and low 80 days has been I feel ideal for maturation of our corn crop. 

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.) There have been many problems with soybean aphids in my area.  Most growers are seeing at least 50 aphids per leaf, which ends up being over the threshold of 250 by a significant amount. 
Most growers have pulled the trigger for spraying the aphids, whether by plane or on the ground.  The majority of the beans are at the R5 stage or later.  The beans look very good.  If we can keep the frost away from them, I think we will see good yields.  There have only been a handful of guys shelling corn; the majority have quit due to high moisture.  The yields look like they are going to be good.  A couple of growers east of Ramsey, IL are seeing around 200 bushel corn.

SOUTHWEST IL: Neil Gray (St. Louis, MO) Harvesting of corn has started in some small areas across the area as well as silage chopping.  Yields are widely varied within the same field for most growers.  Lots of soybeans have been sprayed with insecticide for aphids, with the higher population counts showing up in the western areas first.  Prospects of a good bean crop across all counties are not very high, but we still have hope.  Be thinking of how one worked the wet soils last spring and of the possible heavy compaction left behind in the wake.  We have noticed some crop damage from compaction this growing year.  The fall season is the best time to combat that hard pan, as the compaction layer will shatter much better with a dry soil profile. 

Illinois Crop Progress Percents as of September 14, 2009

Concern continues with Soybean Aphids in our southern areas, particularly where soybean development is later than normal.  The Soybean Aphid was first noticed in Illinois in 2000.  Before that, this pest had never been seen before in the corn-belt.  Soybean Aphids overwinter as eggs on a woody shrub called Buckthorn.  This is a fairly common plant found in fencerows and scrub areas primarily in Northern Illinois and Wisconsin.  Winged aphids hatch out in the spring and fly to soybean fields.  Northerly wind currents are responsible for depositing aphids down-state this year and the subsequent cooler temperatures have allowed aphid populations to build quickly to economic thresholds in many fields.  The key question is, “should I treat, or is it too late to do any good”?

The following article was recently written by Mike Roegge, University of IL Extension Advisor at Quincy, IL, and will help to address this important question.

We’ve been concerned with soybean aphids for the past few weeks, and have written to you several times about the importance of scouting fields. Just within the past week some fields have seen an explosion of aphid numbers. Dave Simpson and Bill Cassady have both reported aphid numbers exceeding 500 per plant on some plants in fields they’ve scouted.  With high populations you will encounter a secondary problem as the plants get coated with a sticky residue that is a good growth medium for a black fungus called sooty mold.  This layer of goo can actually reduce the amount of sunlight reaching the leaves. 

The economic threshold is 250 per plant. The economic injury level is 700 or more per plant. The difference is to give you time to line up treatment options as populations can rise rapidly in a short time. However, some useful facts to pass on to you as you go about determining if treatment is necessary.

Our 250 treatment recommendation is based upon soybean maturity from R1 (beginning bloom) to R5.5 (when the bean in the pod is about ½ size at one of the 4 uppermost nodes).  The data really doesn’t support treatment on soybeans that are R6 or later (when the bean in the pod is full in one of the 4 uppermost nodes). You must also remember that as the bean matures, the nutritional value of the bean declines which adversely affects the aphids, causing lower reproduction, and populations will decline.

When scouting for aphids also take into account the number of aphid dwarfs. These are whitish colored and about ½ size of the aphid. As the nutritional level of the bean declines, these dwarfs are produced. They are not nearly as detrimental to the soybean as the aphid is. This usually signals a decline in the aphid population.

Several specialists have mentioned the fact that you don’t necessarily pull the trigger once the 250 threshold has been reached. Rather you need to go back out to the field in 2 days and determine if populations are increasing or not. So, if the field average today is 250 (or more) and the beans are at R4, contact the custom application and let them know that you may need them to schedule you. Then 2 days later, reexamine the field. If the aphid numbers have increased then our recommendation would be to control them. But, if the numbers are the same or declining, then schedule another visit in 2 more days to scout. Aphid populations can and do crash in a matter of days. Especially with the heavy dews and fog we’ve been experiencing of late. Also make a note of predators (lady beetles, etc.). If you find 2 or more per plant, you can expect them to provide some benefit of control. 

Lastly, since the beans are growing in ideal conditions, they can withstand more stress than normal. If you do apply a control, strongly consider a check strip to determine how effective the application was. Also, you might be interested in a “speed scouting” method of scouting for aphids.  This might increase your effectiveness when scouting. http://www.soybeans.umn.edu/crop/insects/aphid/aphid_sampling.htm

Mike Roegge   
University of Illinois Extension
Adams/Brown Unit
330 S. 36th Street   
Quincy, IL 62301  

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Field Focus Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006

Agronomic Update – 8/20/09

DSM Matthew Meyer stands in a SSG Roundup Ready 2 Yield plot near Woodson, IL

Many Stone Seed Group customers who planted Genuity™ Roundup Ready® 2 Yield soybeans this season say they are optimistic and impressed by the performance of this next-generation technology at this point in the season.

With harvest approaching, many of these growers are encouraged by the flowering, pod fill and overall plant health they are observing – all early physiological indicators of strong yield potential.

Tuesday’s observation at the west central Illinois location showed consistent 3-bean pods and even several 4-bean pods per plant in each variety.  More beans per pod results in higher yield and profit potential!

Genuity™ Roundup Ready® 2 Yield is the only soybean biotech trait on the market designed to boost yields.  Using advanced insertion and selection technologies allowed us to select a new biotech event where the Roundup Ready gene is located in a region of the soybean genome that has a positive impact on yield.  Doing so delivers all the benefits of the Roundup Ready weed control system with significantly higher yield potential than the first-generation technology.”

DSM COMMENTS:

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Corn has had a pretty good bump in maturity this past week. A fair amount of ears are turning yellow and the lateness of the season is really the only problem on corn. We are finding white mold in beans and there is a field north of Dixon, IL with 60 percent of the plants dead due to the white mold fungus. Fruiting bodies are plentiful under the wet canopy. Beginning to see some sudden death (SDS) appearing today and minor aphids populations are present north of Rockford. KEEP THE FROST AWAY!!!

NORTH CENTRAL IL: Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.) The area received another inch of rain since last week. White mold is prevalent in a lot of fields north of IL Route 17. Not much insect pressure currently. For anyone interested in joining us, Keith Swanson’s plot tour, Wednesday, August 26th at 6 p.m., located ¼ mile south of Victoria on County Rd 15, is welcome. We have both the new Genuity™ RR2 Yield® Soybeans and our new corn lineup for 2010, including Genuity™ Smartstax.

EASTERN IL: Scott Good (Milford, IL – Iroquois Co.) We are starting to receive some of the rains that everyone else is getting.  We had a couple of nice showers on the 18th.  The corn is starting to dent and maturing right along.  Not as many planes flying this year for fungicide unless it’s needed.  On the soybean side, white mold has started to work its way into the area and you can find it in most fields, but not very heavy. We’re also seeing SDS.  With the growing season that we have had, it is no surprise to have these common soybean diseases showing up.

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL - Menard Co.) A lot of corn and beans have been looked at in the last week and overall they look really good.  The later planted crops are going to need some help to mature. Beans 8 inches tall and blooming might make 10 bu./acre with Mother Nature’s help. I have heard of white mold as far south to just north of Peoria.  The 2” of rain we got here (up to 4” in western IL) will help with grain and pod fill.  Storms occurring over the past few days has lodged some corn.  Sunshine and warm weather will be needed to mature and dry this crop.

CENTRAL IL: Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McClean Co.) Things look good in my area. Corn is going to be real good where we don’t have N-loss, stand loss or pond damage. We are seeing very little disease, although I did have a customer see some Dipodia along the road side. When investigated further, we found very little damage and nothing to worry about. Beans are starting to look better with more height and some are now in R5 growth stage. Overall, crops are looking good here, no bugs or disease, just need the heat and good market prices.

CENTRAL IL: Andrew Musselman (Morton, IL – Tazewell Co.) Scouting beans yesterday revealed that white mold had escalated rapidly in recent days.   Eureka, Stanford, and Hopedale fields had white mold, with varying degrees of SDS.  Some of the white mold was very severe.

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Aug.18,2009 South West Central IL – I was out of state last week, but I did get an opportunity to view St. Louis to about IN line from a few thousand feet.  Observed many yellow to light green dots and streaks in the grid work below.  How this all will play out come harvest is anyone’s guess but it seemed pretty consistent across the mid section of IL.  On my drive Sunday heading north from St Louis back to Murrayville IL, I noticed a field of beans north of Alton which appeared to have some SDS.  Then it started to rain.  Over 3 inches has fallen since Sunday PM.  To my knowledge just rain and some wicked lightning.  Barring any major weather event the potential for yield seems strong in both corn and beans.  Let’s hope so.  Update 8-20-09 – South West Central – Unfortunately a tornado bounced across our area yesterday afternoon destroying or damaging out buildings, homes, grain bins, power lines and of course steam rolled some corn and beans.  To my knowledge no one was seriously injured.  We have received at or slightly above 4 inches of rain since Sunday.  Crop conditions prior to the storm looked excellent.  Grain fill is progressing nicely.  We need some 60 degree nights and 80 degree days to finish things off with grain fill.  Beans continue to set and fill pods.  What we need most for both corn and beans is some SUNSHINE.

Crop Progress Percents as of August 16, 2009

SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME (SDS)

Once again Sudden Death Syndrome (SDS) is making its appearance in soybean fields.  Unlike White Mold, which has been generally confined to Northern Illinois, SDS is showing up statewide.  As shown in the picture, you first see the leaves yellowing and dying between the green veins, followed by dropping leaves and dead patches of beans scattered throughout the field, especially in low, poorly drained spots, or areas with compaction zones.

Make sure you know whether you have SDS or Brown Stem Rot.  With SDS, if you split open the stem the pith will be white, and maybe grayish and water-soaked down at the base.  With Brown Stem Rot, the pith will be reddish brown to brown to hollow.   Knowing which of the two diseases you have makes a difference when it comes to varietal selection for future years.

With SDS, you’re dealing with a soil fungus.  So far soybeans aren’t resistant to it, but some are more tolerant than others.  The fungicide sprays you use aren’t labeled and won’t control SDS, but you may notice some delay in the onset of the SDS due to a healthier plant.  You could rotate out of beans for a number of years, but still have SDS when you come back to beans if the soil and weather conditions are right.  Some methods to remove stresses and severity of SDS include improving drainage, reducing compaction layers, varietal selection, reducing cyst nematode populations, and either delaying planting or planting earlier maturing varieties.  As you can see, we’re not looking at being able to eradicate it, but to lessen its severity.

Estimating Corn Grain Yield Prior to Harvest (R.L. Nielsen; Corny News Network)
The Yield Component Method was originally described by the University of Illinois many years ago (Univ. of Illinois, 2005) and is based on the premise that one can estimate grain yield from estimates of the yield components that constitute grain yield. These yield components include number of ears per acre, number of kernel rows per ear, number of kernels per row, and weight per kernel. The first three yield components (ear number, kernel rows, kernels/row) are easily measured in the field.
Final weight per kernel obviously cannot be measured until the grain is mature (kernel black layer) and, realistically, at harvest moisture. Consequently, an average value for kernel weight, expressed as 90,000 kernels per 56 lb bushel, is used as a proverbial "fudge factor" in the yield estimation equation.

Crop uniformity greatly influences the accuracy of any yield estimation technique. The less uniform the field, the greater the number of samples that should be taken to estimate yield for the field. There is a fine line between fairly sampling disparate areas of the field and sampling randomly within a field so as not to unfairly bias the yield estimates up or down.

1. At each estimation site, measure off a length of row equal to 1/1000th acre. For 30-inch (2.5 feet) rows, this equals 17.4 feet.
TIP: For other row spacing, divide 43,560 by the row spacing (in feet) and then divide that result by 1000 (e.g., [43,560/2.5]/1000 = 17.4 ft).

2. Count and record the number of ears on the plants in the 1/1000th acre of row that you deem to be harvestable.
TIP: Do not count dropped ears or those on severely lodged plants unless you are confident that the combine header will be able to retrieve them.

3. For every fifth ear in the sample row, record the number of complete kernel rows per ear and average number of kernels per row. Then multiply each ear's row number by its number of kernels per row to calculate the total number of kernels for each ear.
TIPS: Do not sample nubbins or obviously odd ears, unless they fairly represent the sample area. If row number changes from butt to tip (e.g., pinched ears due to stress), estimate an average row number for the ear. Don't count the extreme butt or tip kernels, but rather begin and end where you perceive there are complete "rings" of kernels around the cob. Do not count aborted kernels. If kernel numbers are uneven among the rows of an ear, estimate an average value for kernel number per row.

4. Calculate the average number of kernels per ear by summing the values for all the sampled ears and dividing by the number of ears.
EXAMPLE: For five sample ears with 480, 500, 450, 600, and 525 kernels per ear, the average number of kernels per ear would be (480 + 500 + 450 + 600 + 525) divided by 5 = 511.

5. Estimate the yield for each site by multiplying the ear number by the average number of kernels per ear, then dividing that result by 90. The value of '90' represents the average number of kernels (90,000) in a bushel of corn.
TIP: Use a lower value (e.g., 80) if grain fill conditions has been excellent (larger kernels, fewer per bushel) or a larger value (e.g., 100) if grain fill conditions has been stressful (smaller kernels, more per bushel).

Example:
Let's say you counted 30 harvestable ears at the first sampling site. Let's also assume that the average number of kernels per ear, based on sampling every 5th ear in the sampling row, was 511. The estimated yield for that site would (30 x 511) divide by 90, which equals 170 bu./ac.

Repeat the procedure throughout field as many times as you deem to be representative. Calculate the average yield for all the sites to estimate the yield for the field.

Remember that this method for estimating pre-harvest grain yield in corn indeed provides only an estimate. Since kernel size and weight will vary depending on hybrid and environment, this yield estimator should only be used to determine “ballpark” grain yields. Yield will be overestimated in a year with poor grain fill conditions (e.g., low kernel size and weight from a drought year) and underestimated in a year with excellent grain fill conditions (e.g., larger kernel size and weight from non-stress grain fill periods).

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006
Phil Jordan, CCA (M)309-314-5000

Have a great week and be safe.
Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

Agronomic Update – 8/13/09

Agricultural Summary: Released August 10, 2009, USDA NASS, Illinois Field Office
Higher temperatures across the state last week aided crop development. Scattered storms throughout Illinois, caused small scale damage in some areas, but producers were thankful for the needed precipitation. Mowing, scouting, and spraying were included in farm activities. There were 5.2 days suitable for fieldwork reported. Topsoil moisture was rated 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 77 percent adequate, and 11 percent surplus. Soybeans are 42 percent setting pods, compared to 52 percent in 2008 and 77 percent for the five-year average. Temperatures statewide averaged 73.9 degrees, 0.1 degree above average. Statewide precipitation averaged 0.82 inches, 0.16 inch below average.

Crop Progress Percents as of August 9, 2009

DSM COMMENTS:

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Wheat harvest basically complete with yields between 75-85 bu./acre. The wheat had trouble drying this year and yields off because of too much rain and cold temps. Corn crop has really changed for the better in last 10 days, good weather for pollination, which is mostly complete and we could actually use 1" rain for ear fill. Very little Headline application, rootworm adults began appearing over the weekend. Soybeans looking to be potentially the better crop, pod set progressing from bottom to top with much new growth on top, they need 1" of rain soon as well. White Mold began showing up Monday, and Headline does not work on White Mold as many think. Early beans have a month to go before harvest. If we stay frost free until the middle of October, corn yields may sneak in to be better than anticipated.

NORTH CENTRAL IL: Mark Blackert (Cambridge, IL – Henry Co.) Corn is looking better every day throughout the area. Have 2 customers with Triple pro hybrids that look exceptional, soybeans are a different story with white mold being a key topic of conversation.

NORTH CENTRAL IL: Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.) Last weekend temperatures in the 90’s really improved the corn and soybean crop around the Knox, Stark and Warren counties. Early yield checks on corn showed average to above average yields. White mold is showing up in some soybean fields.  With most soybeans setting pods, a lot of fungicide is being sprayed. No problems with aphids or other pests.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dave Meyer (Mattoon, IL – Coles Co.) In the east- central area we’re starting to now need some rain.  It seems the lack of a root system on corn, plus some N loss and compaction is beginning to show up.  I’m starting to see some pod set on SB’s, and they look good but of course they’re late.  Most of the beans in this area are looking good.  The corn seems to be healthy (except for the holes) and there doesn’t appear to be insect pressure at the present time.    

SOUTH EASTERN IL: Ray Howe (Casey, IL – Clark Co.) I was in some very late planted corn in Clark Co. IL yesterday that showed some common rust. It was only 1-2% of the leaf and probably won’t be a problem. This corn is just ready to tassel and I am more concerned about early frost than rust. We need a rain soon on most of the area, with some of western IN getting rain Tuesday evening. The late planted beans are starting to set pods and still blooming. Again we need a very late frost this year to keep from losing yields.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) Crops continue to look good over here in the Douglas, Piatt, Moultrie and Champaign counties in my territory.  The heat and sunshine is slowly increasing the maturity process.  The corn that I have looked at that was planted around April 23 is beginning to dent.  Pollination looks like it went well.  We could use a rain soon, as we have not had much in the past 10 days.  Overall, things don’t look too bad over here in East Central Ill., although we can’t see the “holes” in the fields along the roads anymore. 

EAST CENTRAL IL: Craig Saddoris (Shelbyville, IL – Shelby Co.) Finally, the heat has been turned up.  Corn planted in late April is now facing its final stages of crop development.  We have scouted some diplodia coming on in earlier planted corn.  The disease is just getting started so we will have to keep a close eye on this in the coming weeks.  Early June planted corn was still shedding pollen this week, but pollination is all but complete.  Beans have really jumped!  Pod set and number of beans per pod are now visible.  Genuity™ RR2 Yield beans have shown a distinct height advantage all year, we are all excited about checking them more closely to see the advantage of added beans per plant.   

Whitemold is making its presence known in Northern Illinois.  The above normal rainfall, morning fogs, heavy dews, and cool temperatures around the soybean flowering period, combined with the white mold fungus in the soil, have all combined to produce an ideal breeding ground for the fungus.  The first symptoms you normally notice are individually dying plants, gradually increasing to groups of dying plants as the fungus spreads, usually seen around late flowering and early pod development.  The leaves will die, but remain attached to the stem.  The most characteristic symptom is the cottony fungal growth that is seen around the stems.  As the fungus grows, lesions form that girdle the stem, shutting off the flow of water and nutrients.  These lesions contain sclerotia (which look like rat droppings). The sclerotia develop up the stem, and remain in the soil after harvest, to serve as the inoculum source for future infections.

IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN
*Domark (sprayed at R-3, early pod fill), or Topsin-M (sprayed at early-full flowering) fungicides can be used.  If the dying plants are already evident in your field, you can expect these fungicides to suppress, but not totally control the white mold.
*Other fungicides, such as Headline, Quadris, Quilt, etc., are not labeled for white mold.

PLANNING FOR FUTURE YEARS
 *White mold is a function of timing; everything must come together as far as canopy closing, flowering, development of spores, and continued wet weather.  In drier years you don’t usually see it at all.
*What conditions aggravate the problem?  Early planted beans in drilled or narrow rows that form a dense, early closing canopy.  In other words, conditions that are normally favorable for a high yield environment.   Combine these conditions with a wet environment, a susceptible variety, and the growth of the fungus source in the soil, and you’ve got a white mold headache.

Here are some various ideas to consider if white mold has become a fairly regular problem for you:
*Variety selection:  none are resistant, but some are more tolerant.  Consider shorter, earlier maturing varieties if it’s feasible.
*In this region, don’t rotate with snap, lima, or dry beans, peas, or sunflowers.
*If you’re in a corn/bean rotation, consider staying in corn for more than one year to reduce the level of infection
*The sclerotia level declines faster in no-till than tilled soil by leaving the inoculum on top.
*Wide rows (30” or more) vs. drilled or narrow rows.  It’s not a guarantee, but it does make a difference. 
*Work is being done with Contans (a biological control product) and various newly available plant health agents to reduce the level of fungus in the soil and/or strengthen the plant’s tolerance to white mold.
*Broadleaf weeds such as velvetleaf, lambsquarter, pigweed, and ragweed can serve as hosts for white mold; keep them controlled
*If you like to experiment, consider early applications of Cobra at or before 1st bloom (usually around 4th trifoliate stage) for White Mold suppression.

The Agronomy team has had several phone calls this week from the Central Illinois region about bleached to straw colored corn ears found in some early spring planted fields.  Upon inspection, Diplodia ear rot has been identified as the culprit. 

Diplodia ear rot occurs most frequently in reduced tillage fields and continuous corn.  It is recognized by a white to gray mold that usually begins at the base of the ear and develops toward the tip, growing between kernels.  These photographs were taken this week.  With severe infection, the entire ear turns gray-brown and completely rots, a condition known as mummification.  Diplodia is favored by wet weather within the first 21 days after silking. 

The most important source of Diplodia ear rot inoculum is diseased corn stalks from a previous crop.  The overwintering disease structures are embedded in stalk debris and during wet weather, will produce spores that are spread onto silks by splashing water.  The fungus then grows down the silks into the ear.  The fungus can also penetrate the husk, usually at the base of the ear.  With husk infection, the fungus appears to grow between the ear shoot and the stalk or between the ear shoot and the sheath of the ear leaf.  Hybrids vary in the level of susceptibility to Diplodia ear rot but because of the erratic nature of the disease, most hybrids are not well-characterized and any hybrid can be infected given the right conditions.  In order to decrease pressure from Diplodia ear rot, consider crop rotation and fall tillage of corn residue.    

Begin checking your earliest planted (April) corn fields now for signs of Diplodia ear rot.  Contact your Stone Seed Group representative for more information on identification and management options.   

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M)217-714-6006
Phil Jordan, CCA (M)309-314-5000

Have a great week and be safe.
Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

Agronomic Update – 8/6/09

A Record Cool July: What’s Ahead?  (Source: University of Illinois News Service Printed in Moline Dispatch 8/2/09)  
After one of the coolest Julys on record (almost 6 degrees below normal), Jim Angel, a state climatologist affiliated with the Illinois State Water Survey and Institute of Natural Resource Sustainability, answers questions to provide insight on the remaining days of the 2009 summer.  With a hotter than normal forecast for Saturday (8/8) thru Monday (8/10), It’s anybody’s guess.

Q.  Does a cool June and July typically mean anything later on, such as a blistering August, a longer summer or mild winter?
A.  Historically, a cool July is most often followed by a cool August.  The specific odds on August temperatures after a cool July are 45% cooler-than-normal, 34% near-normal, and 21% above-normal.  But sometimes Illinois weather can surprise you.  The National Weather Service (NWS) outlook for this week (August 2nd - August 6th) indicates a continuation of the cooler weather.  Their monthly outlook for August and seasonal outlook for August – October both show an increased chance of cooler-than-normal weather in Illinois.  So both the historical evidence and the forecast suggest that cooler conditions will more than likely prevail in coming weeks.

Q.  How could an El Nino developing in the Pacific Ocean influence Illinois Weather Patterns - and when?
A.   The NWS says that El Nino conditions will continue to develop and are expected to last through the winter.  This is the typical life- cycle of these events --- developing in the summer and fall, reaching a peak in the winter, before declining in spring.  As a result, the strongest impacts are in winter and are most clearly seen with stronger events.  It is not clear at this point how strong the event will be, but we know from past research that during the strong events Illinois has seen milder winters with warmer temperatures, fewer days below zero and much less snowfall.  Its impact on weather patterns in the fall is less certain but there is a tendency to be slightly cooler.

ILLINOIS WEATHER AND CROPS AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY (Released August 3, 2009; USDA NASS Illinois Field Office)
Cool temperatures across Illinois this past week have slowed crop development. Some soybean fields in the western part of the state are yellowing due to excess moisture. Overall, crops appear to be doing well, but are lagging behind normal progress. Field activities included mowing, scouting, and spraying. There were 5.5 days suitable for fieldwork reported. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent very short, 11 percent short, 78 percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus. Soybeans are 18 percent setting pods, compared to 29 percent in 2008 and 58 percent for the five-year average.  Temperatures statewide averaged 70.4 degrees, 3.9 degrees below average.  Statewide precipitation averaged 0.80 inches, 0.06 inch above average.

DSM COMMENTS:

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) Experienced some severe thunderstorms on Tuesday, 8/4, that dropped over an inch of rain with scattered hail, wind and lightning.  Damage to the crop seems to be minimal in the immediate area but worse as move farther north.  Approximately 80% of the corn has pollinated well into the tip and kernel fill is taking place.  The remaining 20% is in tassel or prior to tassel.  GLS and common rust remain the prevalent diseases.  Fungicide applications are still progressing.  I’ve observed some corn leaf aphids and 2nd brood ECB moths.  Most beans are at growth stage R3 – R4 (beginning pod to full pod).  Many growers have finalized weed control measures.  Crop moisture is adequate but could use an extra dose of sunshine.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.)  The rain just stayed to the north of Vandalia, IL on the morning of 8/04.  We only received 1/10 inch with the rain pattern more intense as you travel north.  Most of the corn is tasseled and beginning to pollinate.  A couple of planes were flying at the end of last week applying fungicide to corn.  Early planted beans look beautiful. Later planted 15” rows are just now closing the rows and the later planted 30” rows appear to have a long way to go to close the rows.  Many growers I have spoken with this week are very optimistic, believing corn yields are going to be good again. I have to say that the yield checks agree with them.  The only thing is, there are a lot more holes in the fields than we may know about.  The month of August and early September will tell the real story.  Like many places, the growers are praying for a late frost and that all the beans push hard to the finish line.

CENTRAL IL:  Dave Love (Petersburg, IL – Menard Co.)  Things are quiet in my neck of the woods.  The planes are parked on the ground for the time being.  The later planted corn does not seem to be having the problems with GLS as much as some of the earlier planted corn did.  Grain fill is taking place in most areas and the rain and good temperatures are helping achieve that.  Soybeans are looking good.  Flowering is in full swing. Expectations are high for both crops.  Like everyone else we have questionable spots, but overall things look pretty good.

CENTRAL IL:  Russ Terry (McClean, IL – McClean Co.)  After picking up the tree debris from Tuesday’s storm (8/4) we have had a chance to assess the important damage…downed corn. For the most part everything seems to be alright in my territory. Quite a bit of wind whipped corn but the downed corn was minimal.  I guess there is an upside to the slow maturing corn crop. I have noticed an increase in fungicide application to both corn and beans however the incidence of Grey Leaf Spot seems to be minimal in most of the VT3 hybrids.  Common Rust is cropping up here and there, but its presence is not of extreme concern.  As we continue to finish up with the pollination of corn we still find ourselves well short on GDD, and can only hope for an unusually warm September

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jay Ryan (Pana, IL– Christian Co.)  Crop conditions vary widely in my region.  There are a few fields that were planted in late April that are starting the dent stage.  For the most part the corn is in or just finishing pollination.  In the more rain stricken areas this late spring and early summer there are corn fields that have yet to hit pollination.  I drove to Chicago late last week.  Even though the crop was put in earlier in the Northern part of the state than down state, it looks as if we have had enough additional GDU’s to catch up to the point that it looked like most of the state was planted in about the same 5 day window.  Outside of nitrogen loss the corn crop is looking increasingly better.  So far disease was much worse in the April planted corn.  We need some heat to gain GDU’s for corn and to kick the beans back in gear.  Beans have made very little growth progress in the last couple weeks.   With the recent weather events and the forecasted heat we are going to keep our feet in the fields to monitor disease pressure.

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – Ogle Co.)  Corn is 85 percent tasseled...one week has surely produced a huge change...some GLS showing on lower leaves and one popular hybrid from another company is showing moderate to heavier amounts of GLS lesions...very little fungicide application taking place due to lateness of corn crop... very few rootworm adults present to date... adult program just started 2 days ago...beans finally stretching some...lowest disease level I've seen in some time...some white mold showing in early stage...RR2Yield still appear to be much better.

Field Diagnostics by A-Team
A field call this week involving the Agronomy Team proved to be quite a challenge.   Severely stunted soybean plants were seen in small pockets within this SW Effingham county field.  At first glance the leaves looked like they had been infected by a virus and even showed signs of nitrogen and potassium nutrient deficiency (Photo 1).  After intense question and answering between grower and agronomist and closer examination of the symptoms and soil, it was evident that several stresses were at work in this field. 
Anhydrous ammonia was applied to only half of the field this spring as poor weather prevented finishing the application.  Poor weather continued to the point that soybeans were planted instead of the planned corn which meant a second year of soybeans on this field.  Between dry and wet spells, the ground was worked with a disc or field cultivator a total of (6) times, prior to planting.  Soil test results were said to be in the “medium” range for P and K with soil pH in the mid “6” range and organic matter 2+.  This is a new farm for the grower with no prior history. 

Findings

With help of a tile spade the affected areas showed two distinctive compaction zones at both a 2” depth and 4” in the stunted areas.  Plant roots were growing horizontally above the 4” compaction zone with very little nodule development as a result of poor root development.  Also, soybean cyst nematode (SCN) cysts covered the stunted root systems.  Compaction was less severe in areas outside the affected zones and soybean nodulation was much better.

Diagnosis & Management
Compaction was the key culprit in this field.  This caused the stress that compounded existing stress from pockets of high soybean cyst numbers (beans on beans greatly increases existing cyst populations) and based on leaf symptoms, potassium deficiency may also be involved.  It is believed that where the NH3 was applied, plants showed less stress symptoms from compaction and or SCN as challenged plant roots were still able to take up available nitrogen and maintain a more normal growth pattern.  Where the NH3 stopped, the SCN areas were clearly defined due to the multiple stresses. 

Soil samples were taken to determine the soil fertility status and cyst population.  Deeper tillage this fall was recommended to break up the compaction in addition to rotating into corn for two years followed by SCN resistant soybeans in order to help decrease the cyst population to more manageable levels. 

Agronomic Update – 7/30/09

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DSM COMMENTS:

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) Finally a more consistent temperature in the mid 80's...more tassels showing up every day...ideal temps for pollination but sure do have a long way to go to make corn...again, best corn in state appears to be from Forreston, IL (Ogle Co.) north into Wisconsin...should be a lot of 200 bushel corn there...last Friday NW Illinois into W Central Wisconsin lost about 20,000 acres of corn and beans due to tremendous hail storm...all is lost there...no insects or diseases to cause any problems to date...fungicide application on corn almost nil due to lack of gray leaf spot (GLS) and lateness of maturity.

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL – Menard Co.) Conditions here in West Central Illinois are overall good.  Corn in most cases is tasseling or very close to it.  There is variability in some areas due to late planting or other related weather issues.  Pollination has been excellent with temperatures and conditions ideal.  Kernel set is excellent and plenty of moisture (for now) should add up to some impressive yields this fall.  Aerial application of fungicides have slacked off and disease pressure in the SSG products have shown to be at low to moderate levels and in a many cases spraying has not been needed.  This does not mean that scouting should, by any means, stop on later planted corn.  Soybeans seem to be a little slower developing and disease pressure has been minimal.  Considering the season they have had, Southern Illinois looks good.  The early planted corn looks great with grain fill well underway.  Throughout the state you will see corn from knee high to filling the kernels, and beans from ankle high to thigh high.  This could be the” season of variability “; one like we have never seen before. 

SOUTH CENTRAL IL: Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.) Last Friday (7/24), much of the area received nearly an inch of rain. It was most welcome with everything needing a little rain. When it comes to corn my area can be divided into three groups. There is a lot of corn that is shoulder high. The second group of corn has just shot tassels last week or will be starting this week. The third group of corn has already been pollinated and is the smallest group of all three. Like in many other areas, the biggest disease issue is grey leaf spot. The beans are coming right along. I had assumed that planting was done, but last Tuesday (7/21) there were two planters rolling in the Kaskaskia River bottom, just north of Nashville, IL. Then yesterday (7/27) there were three planters rolling southwest of Vandalia, that looked to be replanting. So, there are still a handful of growers trying to get some beans planted.

EAST CENTRAL IL: Dave Meyer (Mattoon, IL – Coles Co.) The growers in my district have now given up on planting.  They were planting well past July 4th and now the areas that had all the never ending rains want it.  There are fields that are tasseling, but the majority of corn still needs another week to 10 days to begin flowering.  I hate to say we need heat and rain to catch up on heat units, but we do.  Soybeans have a long way to go yet, but most of the yellowing has gone and fields have greened up.  I’m getting some very good reports on RR2Yield soybeans.  These beans have a nice height advantage over the RR1

SOUTH EASTERN IL: Ray Howe (Casey, IL – Clark Co.) I have been spending a lot of time in the fields this past week and finding great pollination in the early planted corn that is tasseled out. I am also looking at some corn that is barely waist tall due to late planting. Silks are very long this year with almost no insect feeding. I think we drowned all the rootworms. The only corn problem I am finding is the late planting date along I-70 in Eastern Illinois. Soybeans are growing fast, blooming, and just starting to set pods. We need a delay in our first frost this fall so they can mature.

CENTRAL IL: Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McClean Co.) Most of the corn in my area of Central Illinois is either starting to pollinate or just finishing. Not much corn has brown silks!! Pray for late frosts. Seeing some rust but very little grey leaf spot. Beans are short, but starting to look good. Hope for market rebounds and more heat.

EAST Central IL: Craig Saddoris (Shelbyville, IL – Shelby Co.) MOWEAQUA OFFICE:  Gray Leaf Spot (GLS) has started to progress here in the last week.  There are some isolated where planes are applying fungicide.  Most of the corn is pollinated so the next few days are going to be very important for scouting.  Beans have appeared to slow down because of the cool nights.  A nice shower was received over most of the area last week.  Let’s turn the heat up to 86 and have a great end of July. 

EASTERN IL: Scott Good (Milford, IL – Iroquois Co.) Crops in East Central Illinois are looking very good. Except for the water holes, many fields have “evened up” the last two weeks. Corn is in full pollination and scouting for disease is the main activity. There is very little gray leaf spot. The biggest question is to spray or not to spray fungicide with such a low level of disease. Will the yield increase be enough to be worth it based on the market value? If weather patterns stay cool and we keep getting an inch of rain a week, growers will have great yields throughout the area.

ESTIMATING SOYBEAN LEAF DEFOLIATION BY JAPANESE BEETLES AND OTHER LEAF FEEDING INSECTS

To estimate leaf loss, check 20 row feet of soybeans in at least 5 locations of the field and determine the percentage of plant leaf area that is affected. Significant defoliation is tolerable and many times looks much worse than it actually is.

After trifoliate leaves have formed, damage assessment is based on estimates of defoliation. To estimate defoliation, the following procedure is recommended:

1. Pick a trifoliate leaf from the top, middle and low third of 10 randomly selected plants. (Carry a plastic bag for collection of foliage so that damage assessment may be made at one time.)

2. From each trifoliate discard the most and least damaged leaflets. At this point you should have 30 leaflets upon which the defoliation estimate will be based.

3. Compare the selected leaflets to the illustration provided below and record the average level of defoliation.

Example: The treatment threshold for Japanese beetles in soybean is 30 percent defoliation before bloom and 20 percent defoliation after bloom through seed set. For further information on Japanese Beetles refer to the 7/9/09 Field Focus.

FROGEYE LEAF SPOT IS BECOMING EVIDENT IN MANY AREAS

How to Recognize Frogeye Leaf Spot 
The most diagnostic symptom of frogeye leaf spot are angular spots with light gray centers and distinct purple to red-brown margins (Figure 1). No chlorotic halos surrounding lesions are present. Leaf spots can be single or merge to form larger lesions. This can result in premature leaf drop.

Lesions on stems and pod can occur later in the season, but they are less common and distinctive than lesions on the leaves. Seeds near pod lesions can be infected and develop conspicuous light to dark gray or brown areas.

Headline Fungicide is labeled for Frog Eye Leaf Spot control.

Figure 1. Lesions caused by frog-eye leaf spot.
Photo credit: A. Wrather, University of Missouri

SMALL (SHORT) SOYBEANS
This year, late planting dates and cooler temperatures are resulting in smaller soybeans in the R1 (flowering stage).  As we have all seen, soybeans are an amazingly adaptable crop; tall plants don’t necessarily equal high soybean yields, especially if the rows close and canopy.

Will fungicides or foliar fertilizers speed up the soybean growth?  According to Chad Lee at the University of Kentucky, “fungicides will not improve the speed at which soybeans grow and will not help with canopy closure, in the absence of disease.  Fungicides will help soybeans retain leaves if a disease is present in the field.  Foliar fertilizers will not compensate for lower temperature.  They will not increase the speed of growth, assuming P2O5 and K20 levels are adequate in the field.”

NORTHERN ILLINOIS OBSERVATIONS:
This year we see lots of contrasts, depending upon where you are located.  Corn at brown silk vs. waist high corn with 2 more weeks to tasseling, tall corn vs. hailed or greensnapped fields, green leaves vs. gray leaf spot and/or rust covered leaves.  Some spraying for gray leaf spot or plant health is taking place, but not the frenzy as in previous years.  With the cool temps and prolonged wetness in the canopy, we’re keeping our eyes open for sudden death, frogeye, and white mold in the beans.  The scouting continues.  Many fields will live up the USDA yield estimates, but many others will hope to reach 30% moisture before a killing frost. 

EAST CENTRAL ILLINOIS OBSERVATIONS:

With very little corn planted in April in East Central Illinois the majority of fields have just started to recently completed pollination.  Moderate temperatures this week have been excellent for kernel set and development.  Disease pressure has been minimal in our area.  The most prevalent diseases seen are Gray Leaf Spot and Common Rust.  I have seen a few cases of Holcus Leaf Spot as well.  A conversation this week with a local fertilizer dealer indicated a decrease of 50% in the amount of acres ordered for fungicide applications in corn this year compared to last year.  White corn for Frito Lay is all scheduled to be sprayed due to poor disease ratings and higher value corn but yellow is being scouted first to determine if any action is needed.  
 
Silk clipping insects such as Western Corn Rootworm Beetles and Japanese Beetles have not been an issue.  My first sighting of corn leaf aphids was yesterday and with the present environmental conditions, they will likely not have any impact.  Soybean plant development continues to be slower than normal due to cooler temperatures, yet flowering is progressing well with the majority of fields being in the R1-R3 growth stage.  The only disease sighting in soybeans thus far is Septoria Brown Spot on lower leaves.  Our soybeans need to be roughed up a bit to reach their potential…they are a heat loving crop and these cool July temps have limited our beans to a 4-day work week instead of the needed 7.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Submitted by Stone Seed Group A-Team:
Dave Love, CCA (M) 217-652-9434
Greg Wolf, CCA (M) 309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M) 217-714-6006
Phil Jordan, CCA (M) 309-314-5000

Agronomic Update – 7/23/09

Two of Three Genuity Technology Showcases Completed & YOU CAN STILL ATTEND ONE ON JULY 27TH.
Genuity Technology Showcases were highlighted by Stone Seed Group (SSG) on July 20th and 22nd at Monmouth and Champaign respectively. Growers, dealers and prospects from the SSG market area were invited to attend and see display plots featuring the latest Genuity™ trait technologies such as Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ soybeans, Acceleron™ seed treatment, Sustainable Yield Ininitiatives and new pipeline technologies, including Genuity™ SmartStax™ Corn. Attendees were able to participate in discussions and demonstrations about sustainable yields, seed treatment use, the importance of weed management, optimal plant populations and much more to help them increase the productivity and yield potential of their farm operations. Another Genuity Technology Showcase is scheduled at Monmouth, Monday, July 27th at 10:00 a.m. You are invited, so don’t miss out on learning about the innovative, leading edge profit making opportunities that SSG can bring to you. Contact a SSG representative or call one of our three regional offices to reserve your space. We look forward to having you as our guest.

Jeff Brown, above, emphasizes a point on our proprietary Acceleron ™ Seed Treatment.

Dave Love, above, discusses the benefits of plant density & yield.

Greg Wolf above (wearing hat) informs the group on the environmental and economic benefits of biotech crops while attendees, below, admire Genuity ™ RR2Yield Soybeans.

ILLINOIS CROP PROGRESS AND CONDITION: Released 7-20-09 by NASS
Cool temperatures swept across Illinois this past week. Crops are continuing to lag behind the five-year average. Corn silked at 26% is the lowest since 1997. Soybeans blooming at 24% are at their lowest since 1996. Producers are hoping for warmer temperatures to aid in crop development. Field activities include spraying and mowing. There were 5.0 days suitable for field work reported. Topsoil moisture was rated as 1% very short, 6% short, 77% adequate and 16% surplus. Temperatures statewide averaged 69.3 degrees, 7.4 degrees below average. Precipitation averaged 1.05 inches, .26 inch above average.

USDA/NASS ANNOUNCEMENT (7-22-09)
The USDA will resurvey acres in the seven key states of Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio and Pennsylvania before the 8-12-09 report. This may impact the grain markets.

DSM COMMENTS:

WEST CENTRAL IL: Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  7-21-09 – CORN - The cooler temps has slowed GLS but I have observed more common rust developing.  Planes are flying and applying fungicides on a daily basis.  Corn pollination seems to be progressing normally as plants mature and moisture and temperatures are agreeable.  Soybean is blooming in many areas with little presence of disease.  Weed growth has been excellent in some soybean fields.  I have noticed dogbane popping through for the first time in years.  Second herbicide applications may have to be addressed and possibly a third in 2009.  Overall I think my area is in good to excellent condition compared to some corn and soybean fields I saw traveling through some southern states the week of July 13 - 19.  We need to count our blessings.

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.) It’s been another cool, cloudy, damp week...just no heat to move corn...tassel on most fields 4-6 days away...real concern on crop condition...if today would be June 25th, I'd say we have a heck of a corn crop going...just starting to see some GLS lesions...beans are blooming and extremely short, although Genuity RR2Yield looking much better than RR1...spotting a few aphids north.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) Bugs, disease and weeds are getting lots of attention this area of the state.  Cutworms have been thinning stands of SOYBEANS, yes soybeans in more than one county.  The critters are feeding or beans and or some weed species that haven’t been killed with Round-up yet.  The diseases that are causing trouble are root rots in young beans.  Some growers have had to plant beans back on beans, which in turn has amplified the problem.  The corn fields are being scouted for leaf diseases to determine if a fungicide application is necessary.  Weeds are starting to die after the herbicide application, for the most part.  Remember when possible to crank the volume of spray to down the larger and tougher to kill weeds.

SCN Females Are Now Apparent on Soybean Roots (Source Iowa State University)
Many soybean fields in the SSG market area may be infested with soybean cyst nematode (SCN) but the infestations may not be known because SCN does not always cause obvious, above ground symptoms. Up to 40 percent yield loss can occur without the appearance of above ground symptoms.

A free, easy and reliable way to check fields for the presence of SCN is to dig roots of susceptible soybean varieties, then carefully crumble away much of the soil from the roots and look for adult SCN females on the roots. The SCN females are small, round, white objects on the roots and are about the size of a period at the end of a sentence.

SCN females are present now on the roots of soybeans in our market area. They will be apparent on young roots of susceptible soybean plants through July, August and probably early September.   
It is easier to observe the nematode on soybean roots early in the season rather than later in the season because the SCN females appear on new roots that can be easily dug from the soil surrounding the base of the stem of the plant. 

SCN is spread by the movement of infested soil, so checking roots of plants near the entrance of fields where farm equipment enters and along fence lines where wind-blown soil accumulates may increase the likelihood of finding SCN-infected plants.  Fields in which soybeans have been grown frequently in the past, and fields where soybean yields have declined over time for no apparent reason are logical places to start looking for SCN, too.

Additional information about the biology, sampling, and management of SCN can be found on the Web at www.soybeancyst.info/.

Adult SCN females (yellow arrows) on soybean root. 
The two larger round objects (orange arrows) are nitrogen-fixing nodules.

FOLLOW LABEL GUIDELINES FOR APPLICATION RATES
As the growing season progresses, stay within the application window when applying herbicides so they don't cause more harm than good. The following chart illustrates the annual maximum application rates and timing limitations for ROUNDUP HERBICIDE.

**Roundup PowerMAX® or Roundup WeatherMAX® - Make postemerge applications from emergence through the V8 stage or until com reaches 30 inches, whichever comes first, with no more than 32 oz/acre for any single application.
Applications of Roundup PowerMAX® or Roundup WeatherMAX® at a maximum rate of 32 oz/acre may be made to corn from 30 to 48 inches in height using ground equipment and drop nozzles only.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Have a safe week.

Submitted by Stone Seed Group A-Team:

Dave Love, CCA (M) 217-652-9434
Greg Wolf, CCA (M) 309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA (M) 217-714-6006
Phil Jordan, CCA (M) 309-314-5000

Agronomic Update 7-16-09

ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY - RELEASED: July 13, 2009 3 P.M. by NASS
Illinois farmers had 4.5 days suitable for fieldwork last week, in between dodging showers that rolled across Northern and Southern areas. Temperatures average 72.5 degrees, which was 3.6 degrees below normal, while precipitation was 0.33 inches above normal last week. Topsoil moisture was 3 percent short, 76 percent adequate, and 21 percent surplus. Wheat was reported at 85 percent harvested, compared to 78 percent last year and a five-year average of 92 percent. Corn is 11 percent silked, in line with last year’s 12 percent, but way behind the five-year average of 57 percent. Corn was rated at 60 percent good to excellent condition. Soybeans were 11 percent blooming, half of what it was last year at this time at 22 percent with a five-year average of 51 percent. Soybeans were rated at 60 percent good to excellent condition. Farmers, in most areas, spent time last week applying herbicides, mowing
roads, baling hay and combining wheat.

 

Invitation for Grower Comments
The Field Focus (FF) has been posted to the Stone Seed Group (SSG) website for several weeks.  One item that has been received very well is the DSM Comment section.  Now, the A-Team is expanding the FF to include grower comments from the SSG market area concerning crop conditions and farming activities in your respective area. We invite you to send your comments to phil@stoneseed.com .  We cannot guarantee that all comments will be posted each week, but we will use as many as we possibly can.  We reserve the right to screen all messages received.

STONE SEED GROUP Plot Tour right this way!

Watch for news of upcoming events and plot tours.

DSM Comments:

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.)
Sure feels like early fall temperatures...corn just needs heat and a lot of it...most corn has 4-5 leaves before tassel...at these temperatures that equates to 6-8 days before tassel...best corn in Northern Illinois is from Rockford north and west...fair number of acres in full tassel in that geography...need a lot of luck in northern Illinois...beans extremely short and probably will not stretch much more...blooming at 8-12"...2.8 RR2Yield looking exceptional to date...all need many days of sun and heat...wheat harvest will begin late next week.

 

NORH CENTRAL IL:  Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.)
Last week’s 3 inches of rain really made the corn jump. 8T212 is shooting tasssels in Swanson’s plot that was planted May 6th near Victoria.  In the fields I have scouted, Gray leaf spot (GLS) is showing up on the bottom leaves.  Soybeans look great and are starting to bloom.  Everything is looking good except for the wet areas.

 

 

CENTRAL IL:  Nicole Forsberg (Clinton, IL-Dewitt Co.)
I have been in several fields this week (7/12-7/17), at the request of growers, to determine Japanese beetle damage. A few needed to be sprayed and others needed to be watched closely. The airplanes have been flying like crazy in Tazewell County for both seed, commercial, and vegetable crops. The wheat is all out. There are some soybeans just out of the ground in Mason County. The most obvious "windshield observation" is the varying growth patterns in the corn fields.

 

CENTRAL IL:  Dave Love (Petersburg, IL –Menard Co.)
Here in central Illinois the planes are flying and the Japanese beetles are buzzing.  The corn here in my home area and other places in central Ill. is tasseling and in full pollination mode.  As far as the corn goes, gray leaf spot is looking like it could be a major, problem with lesions up to and above the ear.  Spraying is being done on many acres.  8T468 and 8T339 seem to be holding their own, while some of the competition is being hammered.  Common rust is showing up, but it is localized.  The Japanese beetles are working on the silks, but pollination is complete in most cases.  Defoliation of beans, in some cases 50% or higher, has been noted.  Looking at some of the ears that have been pollinated, if no major problems arise, early planted corn could yield very well.

 

Central Illinois: Andrew Musselman (Morton, IL – Tazewell Co.)
Growing degree accumulations for Peoria from March 1st through July 11th is 1606.  Norm is 1511.  To find GDU accumulation for your own location, go to the links listed below.

 

Crazy Top in Corn Plants

Crazy Top has been seen in a few fields.  Crazy top develops when soils have been flooded shortly after planting or before plants are in the four to five leaf stage.  Pooling of soil and water in the whorl of small plants can also lead to infection. Saturation for 24-48 hours is sufficient for infection to occur, since it allows the overwintering soil borne spores to germinate and swim in the water to infection sites on corn.  Crazy top is not a severe disease but it can cause significant losses in low-lying areas of fields that are prone to flooding, since infected plants are often barren.  There’s not much that can be done to manage this disease in season.   

IS IT RECTANGULAR OR IS IT ELLIPTICAL?
 With the mild, moist July we’ve been having, we’re seeing some northern leaf blight lesions appearing on some of the lower corn leaves.  Whereas the Gray Leaf Spot  lesions are narrow, rectangular, tan colored, and up to 2” long,  Northern Leaf Blight shows up as elliptical, cigar-shaped lesions 1-6” in length.  These lesions are gray-tan in color, and in the center of these lesions you may see some dark, fungal spores.

 Many hybrids carry resistance genes to Northern Leaf Blight, and on these hybrids you may still see the lesions, but they may be yellowish to tan, have wavy margins, with no spores in the lesions.

 Fungicides you would spray for Gray Leaf Spot also show activity on Northern Leaf Blight.
 Will you see a lot of Northern Leaf Blight?  Probably not, but when it appears it can be confused with Gray Leaf Spot.

No. 17 Article 2/July 17, 2009

Insect Observations from the North-Central Region

On July 13, extension entomologists exchanged observations by teleconference about insect pests of field crops in their respective states. Provided here are summaries for the key insects we discussed.

Soybean aphids. In general, soybean aphid densities are low in many north-central states, including Illinois. In Ohio, overall densities remain low; however, some fields are showing signs of infestations further to the south than in recent years. Low numbers of soybean aphids also were reported in Indiana, Nebraska, and South Dakota. In Iowa, expectations are that in some fields, the economic threshold may be reached in the next 7 to 10 days. Producers are encouraged to familiarize themselves with scouting procedures and to be ready to make a management decision if average densities reach 250 aphids per plant in soybean fields.
Further to the north, the economic threshold has been reached in certain fields in eastern Ontario. In Illinois, overall reports of aphids remain very low and widely scattered. Ryan Stoffregen, Advanced Crop Care, reported that two soybean fields in McHenry County near Marengo have had very low levels of aphids (1 to 10 aphids per plant) for the past 3 weeks. One field had 30% to 40% of the plants infested; the infestation in the other field ranged from 10% to 30%. Ryan also reported that soybean aphids have been found in the last week in DeKalb and Boone counties; fewer than 10% of plants were infested, with typical densities of two aphids or fewer per leaf. So, as previously reported, soybean aphids are off to a slow start this season across a large area of the Corn Belt. But we have a long way to go this summer with this insect pest, and soybean fields should be scouted regularly to optimize any management decisions that may be required.

Corn rootworms. Very few reports were offered with respect to corn rootworms; however, western corn rootworm adult emergence is well under way in Illinois. Entomologists at Purdue University have observed very low levels of root injury in their experimental plots. We intend to begin our root evaluations early next week and look forward to sharing the results of our annual root "digs" in upcoming issues of the Bulletin. The low levels of root injury reported by Purdue entomologists may be the result of the very wet soil conditions at the time of larval hatch this spring.

Western bean cutworms. Entomologists in Ohio reported that larger numbers of western bean cutworms have been observed this season than in previous years. Entomologists at Purdue reported increases in captures have occurred during the past week and in some corn fields (northwestern Indiana) egg masses and emerging larvae can be found. Illinois producers are encouraged to begin scouting corn fields for western bean cutworms. If 8% of plants have an egg mass or young larvae, consider a rescue treatment. For more complete life cycle and management recommendations, visit ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/western_bean_cutworm. If you are experiencing significant infestations of western bean cutworm in your area of Illinois, please let me know and I will share your observations with readers.

Western Bean Cutworm Larvae

Western Bean Cutworm Larvae (left photo courtesy of Montana State University, right photo courtesy of Marlin Rice, Iowa State University).

Western Bean Cutworm Adult.

The red arrow points to a white spot with crescent-shaped marking. (left photo courtesy of University of Nebraska-Lincoln; right photo courtesy of Marlin Rice, Iowa State University).

Japanese beetles. Reports of Japanese beetle infestations continue, particularly in the eastern Corn Belt. For the next several weeks, producers are encouraged to monitor their corn fields for silk clipping and soybeans for defoliation. Because these beetles tend to concentrate in border rows of both crops, rescue treatments applied to field margins may be sufficient in some cases.--Mike Gray

As seen by the photograph above, early emerging Japanese Beetle populations will feed on corn leaf tissue prior to silk emergence.  Silk feeding is not a serious an issue if the corn has already pollinated, but when this occurs prior to pollen shed the result can be pollination interference and partially barren ears. Fortunately corn pollinates relatively quickly after silk emergence as pollen shed occurs within a couple of days after silk emergence. Growers concerned about Japanese beetle should scout their fields soon after tassel emergence and silking.  Prior to pollen shed, our recommendation is to treat for Japanese beetle if there are two or more per ear and they are clipping the silks back to ½ inch or less.  Growers should also determine how far the infestation extends into the field, as Japanese beetle numbers are much higher on the outside boarder rows than they are in the interior of the field.   If corn has already pollinated, then no treatment for Japanese beetle is needed.

Fungicide Effect on Corn Stalk Quality - U of IL article
Remember all the talk last year about corn cannibalizing stalks close to harvest time?  Lots of growers are agonizing right now over whether to spray or not this year due to return on investment.  The attachment is a good piece from University of Illinois reviewing fungicide effects on corn stalk quality.  Late planted corn areas are at the most risk as well as hybrids with higher GLS sensitivity.  Note that the recent change in weather this week to a more cool environment will slow the disease progression.

http://ipm.illinois.edu/bulletin/article.php?id=1185

The take home message is found in the last paragraph of the ipm article:   

Corn plants with high amounts of leaf disease will have less leaf area for photosynthesis
and will tend to mine the stalk for necessary sugars to fill the ear. This can lead to weakened stalks. 

Take time prior to tasselling and check several fields in your area to get a feel for the severity of leaf diseases such as GLS and Common Rust.  Your neighbors and customers will appreciate that “touch” this time of year. 

How to check pollination progress?  Simply slice open the ear husk tissue, carefully remove the ear and shake it gently.  Any silks that fall off have pollinated successfully.  Those silks still attached have not.

Gray Leaf Spot revisited

Early signs of Gray Leaf Spot

Moderate leaf infection of GLS

Check corn hybrid tolerance ratings for Gray Leaf Spot now in order to make good disease management decisions this growing season.  A moderately resistant product may provide good protection when conditions are only moderately favorable for disease.  Based on Illinois rainfall totals for July to date, many areas may see more GLS (Gray Leaf Spot) this year.  The incidence of GLS increases in corn following corn particularly in no-till where corn residue, the source of the disease, is prevalent.  High relative humidity and moisture are important components for the disease to prosper.  Begin scouting prior to tassel emergence by looking for lesions on the lower corn leaves that are small, oblong and blocky that lie between the major leaf veins. 

Timing of fungicide applications may be challenging this year due to several different growth stages in a specific field caused by replanting and ponded areas.    Some fungicides, like Headline®, recommend spraying between full tassel emergence (VT) and blister stage for optimum control.  However, if spraying occurs prior to tassel emergence, no adjuvants are recommended.  Always follow product label directions.   

Common Rust
Random spots of this disease are easily found in many cornfields but the level of infection has been very low.  Common Rust is windblown from the southern states as it does not over winter in the Midwest.  Leaf infection requires damp leaves and high humidity similar to conditions conducive for Gray Leaf Spot.  You can identify this disease by looking for small (1/8-1/4”) reddish raised pustules commonly found near the ear leaf.  The pustules of Common Rust appear on both sides of the leaf.  If lesionsdevelop over the majority of the ear leaf and the leaf above, then yield can be affected. 

Southern Rust

A close cousin to Common Rust is Southern Rust.  Although much more sporadic it too is blown into our area and develops similarly to Common Rust.  This disease caused some economic damage two years ago in central Illinois.  Characteristics are somewhat different compared to Common Rust as pustule development is normally confined to the leaf surface and they are more oval in shape.  Southern Rust has the potential of causing greater yield loss compared to Common Rust due to its ability to develop rapidly. 

*Check Fields Now
Scout now to determine if either of these diseases can be found.  Each corn product has a different level of resistance to Common and Southern Rust and therefore the level of infection can vary.  As a rule of thumb, if there is less than 10-15% infection after mid-silk, there will be no significant yield loss.  Later planted corn may be at a slightly higher risk due to the potential for the pathogen to begin infection earlier in the corn plants development.  All of the widely used corn fungicides have good activity on corn rust.  Follow label instructions.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Submitted by Stone Seed Group A-Team:

Dave Love, CCA     (M) 217-652-9434

Greg Wolf, CCA      (M) 309-314-5001

Jeff Brown, CCA      (M) 217-714-6006

Phil Jordan, CCA     (M) 309-314-5000

Agronomic Update 7-9-09

Released July 6, 2009 NASS
Illinois Weather and Crops Agricultural Summary
The summer weather continued with its variable patterns across Illinois. Last week temperatures averaged 68.8 degrees, 5.8 degrees below average statewide. This slowed crop progress in many areas. Precipitation averaged 1.24 inches statewide last week, .25 inches above normal, adding to some already soggy fields. With 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork, many farmers were able to harvest their winter wheat. Some producers who waited until the weekend got rained out and were unable to finish it in many parts of the state. Wheat was reported at 62% harvested, compared to 52% last year and a five year average of 82%. The average height of corn was 41 inches, compared to 45 inches last year and a five year average of 61 inches. Soybeans were 94% emerged, on pace with last year but below the five year average of 99%. Topsoil moisture was rated 3% short, 75% adequate, and 22% surplus.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) South West Central – 7-7-09 – .5 to 3 inches of rain over the 4th contributed to soil moisture levels.  Temps have eased off into low 80’s.  Many corn fields are in  the tassel to silk stage with good weather conditions to complete pollination but that may be for 80% of a given field due to variability of growth stage.  Soybean planting continues in some areas and the recent rains got mixed reviews as to the amounts received and stage of planting.  I did observe some early planted beans with a few blooms.  Overall, the corn and beans that are up are doing well but maturity is widespread.  Japanese beetles made their swarming appearance on Monday.  Some defoliation of outer rows of soybeans have been seen.  Did not observe silk clipping but that’s not to say it’s not happening.  Most corn has been “laid by” with spraying applications.  Some bean fields need to be sprayed ASAP.  Well beyond the 6 inch weed height that definitely causes yield loss. 

EASTERN IL / IN:  Ray Howe (Casey, IL – Clark Co.) I have been out in the fields most of this week. Corn and beans in the Rockville, IN area look very good. Beans are closing the 15" rows and the corn is starting to tassel. There is very little weed, insect, or disease pressure. I saw just a little corn borer in the refuge corn, but not even 2% of the refuge plants showed it.

The corn in the Casey, IL area is everywhere from v3- almost tassel. Stand counts have been very good with the exception of the "ponds". We have plenty of those! Overall there doesn't seem to be anything holding back the corn, except weather and planting dates.

NORTHERN IL: Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL– DeKalb Co.) Wednesday, July 8th,  was the coldest day in July in 118 years...high temp was 57...these temps are just not conducive to grow a good corn crop...corn today looks like June 15th corn...on the other hand beans look very good...surprisingly no diseases or insect pressure ...Japanese beetles in very low numbers are present...the RT2Yield beans are looking exceptionally good to date...just need heat to move this crop.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) Planting for most growers is completed The spraying of post herbicides is in high gear.  The use of STS beans and Roundup is getting more popular, to battle the marestail problem.   It’s amazing what some sun and dryer weather can do to improve the crop appearance.  Some areas  were in high need for the rain showers that came around July 4th.

Insect Behavior Considerations When Scouting
We’ve all read about the life cycles of insects; these are usually pretty specific.  Feeding behaviors due to pheromone reactions and population activity are another consideration when scouting.

• JAPANESE BEETLES---When scouting for these beetles in corn or beans, you have got to go in past the end rows.  Many times Japanese Beetles will show “neighborhood community” activity, and will feed heavily  in very localized areas of end rows or other specific parts of the field.  Other times the pressure will be evident throughout the field.  These feeding behavior differences make a huge difference as to whether it pays to spray or not.   
• ROOTWORM BEETLES---Are they feeding or are they just flying around?  The rootworm beetles in your neighbor’s corn may be feeding heavily on the silks, while there may be a lot of beetles in your corn, but the silk feeding may be very light.  It is hard to understand their behavior, but to observe it certainly aids the spraying decision process.

They’re Back So Get Ready for . . . Japanese Beetles

With such potentially large numbers of Japanese beetles flying into cornfields and soybean fields, the potential for economic damage is real.  At this time, because most cornfields are not tasseling, silking, and pollinating, the only threat to corn is defoliation, which, if severe, could warrant control. The same concern about defoliation applies to soybean.  Remember that Japanese beetles are attracted to flowering plants, so they also will be found on flowering weeds.

 Japanese beetles defoliating a corn leaf. (Left)

Japanese beetles defoliating soybean. Leaves will be bronzed and lacy. (2nd from Left)

However, the real concern with Japanese beetles and corn production is the threat of silk-clipping injury, which interferes with pollination and can result in poor kernel set on affected ears.  Because so many people have had bad experiences with Japanese beetles when corn is pollinating, some producers are considering "pulling the trigger" on this pest sooner rather than later. However, there is no way to assess the amount of silk clipping that might occur.  We encourage gowers to fight the urge to spray insecticides to control Japanese beetles before pollination begins, unless defoliation is excessive.  An insecticide applied too early may not have enough residual to control Japanese beetle adults that may fly into cornfields at a later date.  One well-timed insecticide application makes more economic sense than two applications.

There is one generation per year, with adults emerging from the soil in June.  Mated females lay eggs in the soil until late August. Adults have an exceptionally wide host range (more than 300 plants) and skeletonize leaves.  Hatched larvae feed on the roots until temperatures begin to cool in the fall; larvae move deep into the soil to overwinter.  Nearly fully grown larvae resume feeding in the spring, pupate within the soil and emerge as adults.

The operating threshold for Japanese beetles in corn is three or more beetles per ear during tasseling and silking when pollination is not complete.  People who have had considerable experience with Japanese beetles may use a different threshold.  However, even under the best circumstances, determining the impact of silk clipping by Japanese beetles on corn yield is difficult.

Western Corn Rootworm…Check Refuge Acres
Western corn rootworm (WCR) adults are approximately ¼ inch long and yellow with three black stripes on forewings (elytra). The stripes on female wing covers are distinct, with one on the outside of each wing cover and the third one along the middle, where the wing covers meet. The stripes on male wing covers tend to merge across the wing covers. The white, football-shaped eggs are less than 0.004 inch long. Mature larvae are approximately ½ inch long, slender, and white with brown head capsules and a dark plate on the top side of the last segment. Pupae are white, and their appearance is similar to the adult beetle.

Western corn rootworm have one generation per year with larvae present from May through July. Adults are abundant from July through September. A female may lay an average of 500 eggs over several weeks in clutches of about 80 eggs. Most eggs are laid in the upper 6 inches of soil during late summer. During dry years, females will enter cracks in the soil to lay eggs as deep as 10 to 12 inches. Eggs remain dormant until the following spring. Eggs are concentrated near the base of corn and soybean plants, and are spread, both horizontally and vertically, by tillage.

The larvae hatch in late May or early June and, if corn is present, begin feeding on roots. Larvae complete three developmental stages (instars) as they feed and tunnel in the corn roots. In mid-to late July, pupation occurs and adults emerge a short time later.

When silks in fields begin to senesce (brown), adults will disperse to neighboring, later planted, cornfields or feed on pollen from soybeans, alfalfa, and several species of weeds. The life cycle is completed when adults mate and females lay eggs during August and September. A strain of Western corn rootworm found in east-central Illinois will lay eggs in both corn and soybean fields.  A WCR variant will lay eggs in both corn and soybean fields.  It is highly recommended to monitor soybean fields.  Because WCR still inhabit and lay eggs in corn, growers also should follow recommendations for monitoring corn fields where corn will be planted again the following year.  Follow this link http://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/western_corn_rootworm/index.html for proper scouting and monitoring procedures.

Key Steps in the Corn Pollination Process
Pollen shed usually begins two to three days prior to silk emergence and continues for five to eight days with peak shed on the third day.  Under very dry conditions, silk emergence may be delayed, and such a delay of pollen shed and silking may result in poor kernel set and reduced grain yields.  However, in some years under favorable growing condition, silks may actually emerge before tassels fully emerge and pollen shed starts in certain hybrids.  On a typical midsummer day, peak pollen shed occurs in the morning between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. followed by a second round of pollen shed late in the afternoon.  Pollen may be shed before the tassel fully emerges or “stretches out”. Pollen shed usually begins in the middle of the central spike of the tassel and spreads out later over the whole tassel with the lower branches last to shed pollen.

Pollen grains are borne in anthers, each of which contains a large number of pollen grains. The anthers open and the pollen grains pour out in early to mid morning after dew has dried off the tassels. Pollen is light and is often carried considerable distances by the wind.

Pollen shed is not a continuous process. It stops when the tassel is too wet or too dry and begins again when temperature conditions are favorable. Pollen stands little chance of being washed off the silks during a rainstorm as little to none is shed when the tassel is wet. Also, silks are covered with fine, sticky hairs, which serve to catch and anchor pollen grains.

Under favorable conditions, pollen grain remains viable for only 18 to 24 hours. However, the pollen grain starts growth of the pollen tube down the silk channel within minutes of coming in contact with a silk and the pollen tube grows the length of the silk and enters the female flower (ovule) in 12 to 28 hours.

A well-developed ear shoot should have 750 to 1,000 ovules (potential kernels) each producing a silk. The silks from near the base of the ear emerge first and those from the tip appear last. Under good conditions, all silks will emerge and be ready for pollination within 3 to 5 days and this usually provides adequate time for all silks to be pollinated before pollen shed ceases.

Pollen of a given plant rarely fertilizes all the silks of the same plant. Under field conditions 97% or more of the kernels produced by each plant may be pollinated by other plants in the field. The amount of pollen is rarely a cause of poor kernel set. Each tassel contains from 2 to 5 million pollen grains, which translates to 2,000 to 5,000 pollen grains produced for each silk of the ear shoot. Shortages of pollen are usually only a problem under conditions of extreme heat and drought. As noted above, poor kernel set is more often associated with poor timing of pollen shed with silk emergence – with silks emerging after pollen shed (poor “nick”). However, hybrids rarely seldom exhibit this problem unless they experience extreme drought stress.

Fungicide Application!!! Scout! Scout! Scout!

Prioritize Corn Fields for Disease Scouting and Fungicide Application Guidelines
Scouting corn fields can be very time consuming.  Use the following checklist to prioritize fields.  If your fields have more than two of the factors listed, move them to the top of your scouting schedule.

• Late-planted corn
• Corn following corn
• No-till corn
• A hybrid known to be susceptible to GLS (Gray Leaf Spot) or other diseases



Two most common classes of fungicides:
Strobilurins (Headline, Quadris)
Triazoles (Tilt)

• Also, Triazoles + Strobilurins (Stratego, Quilt)

Strobilurins                                                                                     
• Preventative
• Protect BEFORE disease
• Broader range of disease control
• Longer- lasting protection
• More systemic vs. triazole

Triazoles

• Curative
• Control AFTER infection
• Non-systemic

Major Fungi Controlled

• Gray Leaf Spot – GLS
• Southern & Common Rust
• Northern Corn Leaf Blight
• Southern Corn Leaf Blight
• Anthracnose

 

 

Roundup Rewards…Backing Traits and Herbicides
Remember the benefits provided by Roundup Rewards® when using qualified applications of Roundup WeatherMax® or Roundup PowerMax®

• Trait Refund – WHEN SEED OR CROP IS LOST DUE TO A CATASTROPHE
• Start Clean Assurance Plan For Corn and Soybeans
• Volunteer Roundup Ready® Corn 2 – COST SHARE ALLOWANCE
• Tough Conditions and Tough Weeds Warranty
• 30 – Minute Rainfast Warranty
• Crop Safety Warranty 

See your Stone DSM for more information…”



 

Slugs!
Reports from SW Illinois (Jersey County) show a high incidence of slug damage. Slugs are soft-bodied, legless, slimy, white, gray, or black gastropods (not insects). Some species measure up to 4 inches in length but 1/2 to 1-1/2 inches is more common. Slugs are actually snails without shells.  Slug activity is favored by plant residue on the soil surface and moist conditions.  Slug populations tend to be greatest in conservation tillage systems and very weedy fields. This occurs, because the moisture required by these animals is preserved by high surface residue and the lack of soil disturbance.  Slugs usually feed on the lower part of the plant, eating partly or completely through the hypocotyl and cotyledons. Unifoliolate leaves may be damaged before unrolling, making them appear distorted and tattered. Stand losses by slugs occur when fields are generally too wet, and not ideal for planting, thus resulting in seed furrows that do not properly close during planting operations. In this situation, slugs are able to feed day or night on the seedlings, often destroying the growing point(s).  Unfortunately, replanting will be necessary for some fields that are infested.

Typical plant injury by slugs on soybean seedlings.

Slug

http://www.entm.purdue.edu/fieldcropsipm/insects/popups/soybean/slug01.jpg

 

 

 

 

 

2009 Stone Seed Group  Genuity ™Technology Showcase Tours

Come one, come all to a Stone Seed Group Genuity™Technology Showcase near you.  SSG has scheduled three dates to see display plots featuring the latest Genuity™ trait technologies such as Genuity™ Roundup Ready 2 Yield™ soybeans and new pipeline technologies, including  Genuity™ SmartStax™ Corn.  You will be able to participate in discussions and demonstrations about sustainable yields, seed treatment use, the importance of weed management, optimal plant populations and much more to help you increase the productivity and yield potential of your farm.

Mark your calendar now for one of the dates and call your local DSM or one of our regional offices to reserve your space.  Continuing Education Units (CEU’s) are applied for.  All Showcase Tours will begin at 10:00 a.m. , break for lunch and conclude at approximately 1:30 p.m.

July 20, 2009 -  Monmouth Agronomy Center
                            1677 80th Street                          
                            Monmouth, IL

July 22, 2009 – Parkland College
                           2400 W. Bradley Avenue
                           Champaign, IL

July 27, 2009 -  Monmouth Agronomy Center
                            1677 80th Street                          
                            Monmouth, IL

We all look forward to seeing you.

 

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

 

Contributors:
Dave Love, CCA                       (M)217-652-9534
Greg Wolf , CCA                       (M)309-314-5001
Jeff Brown, CCA                        (M)217-714-6006
Phil Jordan, CCA                       (M)309-314-5000

Have a great week and be safe.

Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

Agronomic Update 7-2-09

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Agronomic Update 6-25-09

ILLINOIS AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY released 6/22/09
Widespread precipitation was prevalent across Illinois once again this past week. Producers welcomed above average temperatures, in hopes of drying saturated fields, but severe weather systems towards the end of the week caused increased standing water. Denitrification is becoming a concern as producers continue to look for an opportunity to complete planting. There were 2.3 days suitable for fieldwork reported. Topsoil moisture was rated 42 percent adequate and 58 percent surplus. The average height of corn was 17 inches, compared to 21 inches in 2008 and 38 inches for the five-year average. Soybeans were 67 percent emerged, compared to 73 percent in 2008 and 91 percent for the five-year average. Temperatures statewide averaged 75.6 degrees, 2.4 degrees above average. Statewide precipitation averaged 2.16 inches, 1.20 inches above average.

DSM Comments:

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  6/24 - This past week “wet again” has been the word.  Temps have been high and I swear this corn has grown 4 feet in a week.  Some is pre- tassel.  Beans that were planted early are 2nd to 3rd trifoliate.  Over all crops that are planted look good.  Population in corn has suffered but soybean population is hanging in there.  Observed a couple of Japanese beetles smacking me in the head and corn borer moths are hitting the windshield.   Weed control continues to be a challenge especially with the rapid growth rate of corn and soybean.  Planting rates have been increased slightly in beans.  We still have 20 to 25% of the beans to plant.  Wheat beans are being considered since wheat harvest is closing in and, along with 1st and 2nd crop hay, everything is happening at once.  Fairly decent weather predicted for next week (6/28 – 7/4).  I think we will get caught up, Lord willin’, if we don’t keel over with heat stroke first.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Ray Howe (Casey, IL – Clark Co.) 6/24 - Ground is starting to dry again in SE IL. Several farmers are hoping to get in and start planting beans today (Wednesday, 6/24). They also need to get their corn sprayed as the fields have been too muddy for that. It looks like relief may be in sight for both activities. Up in Fountain County, IN (east of Danville, IL), most of the planting is finished and crops are up for the most part. Several areas up there got 2.5 inches of rain last Friday evening (6/19) that is giving them some drowned out concerns. What a year this has been!!

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love (Petersburg, IL – Menard Co.)  6/23 - Corn planting is just about over in central IL.  Soybean planting is 80 to 85% complete, with only wet fields and a few wet holes left to do.  With another slight chance of rain called for on Thursday (6/25), hay is being cut and baled as fast as it will go.  A lack or loss of nitrogen is showing up in some fields where water sat earlier with stunted plants and lower leaves showing the signs.  Very little wheat has been cut and what has been was around 13.5% moisture down south. If weather holds we will hopefully be cutting wheat next week (6/28-7/4) here in the central region of IL.

CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McClean Co.)  6/24 - With the heat this week, corn is really growing and has gotten very brittle. Saw one field with Callisto overlap and 2 rows of white corn every 60’.  A few growers are finishing up planting beans. Wheat cutting will begin very soon with some heads light and chaffy. Also saw some of the shortest wheat I’ve ever seen.  All in all it’s nice to be done and I’m putting the wrap on billing and account settlement.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Meyer (Mattoon, IL – Coles Co.)  Today (6/24) we have finally started planting again.  We even have some corn being spotted in the Marshall (Clark Co.) area.  The soils are still wet, but if they can get over it, they’re planting.  We still need several good days to finish up. 

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) All corn planting and corn replanting has came to a halt.  Bean planting has picked up for those that have fields dry enough to go.  In several counties the corn crop looks very poor.  In some fields the stands of corn is very poor and if they have gotten a good stand, the issue of yellow stunted and uneven plants doesn’t give growers any hope of a good crop in 09’.  Several fields won’t get planted at all in either corn or beans, as some will just take crop insurance.  Wheat harvest is in full steam where they can go.  Yields have come in from a high of around 80 bushel per acre to a low in the 20’s.  Test weights, as expected, are below what growers had hoped for.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.) 6/24 - Growers are still trying to finish planting beans around Tuscola.  Most are done but others are still waiting for ground to dry out after receiving 5“of rain in the area last week (6/15 – 6/19).  I did manage to get a bean plot planted on Wednesday morning (6/24) and hope to plant another one on Friday morning (6/26) if it doesn’t rain on Thursday.  I’m sending returns back on Thursday and Friday and hope to end the chapter for this year soon. 

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.)  6/25 - Finally on Wednesday, June 17, the corn has kicked into gear…as of today June 25 there is a fair amount of knee high corn fields…still many yellow streaks throughout most corn fields…stands very uneven and erratic…short stands in most every field…no till corn suffering the worst…on Sunday CRW larva began to hatch…many lightning bugs present in early evening…may have drowned some of the CRW population in many fields but not sure what the outcome will be…began spotting ECB moths in action sights…beans also looking much better…still some growers trying to plant beans…beans that are in are going to second trifoliate…no till beans still having tough time but are coming…on Friday, June 19 we received 4” rain and received another 1.35” in the early morning on Monday, June 22…hot humid weather really making crops grow…wheat looks very good but about 7-10 days later than last year…all in all, crops shaping up to be average.

CENTRAL/West Central IL: Matthew Meyer (Peoria, IL - Peoria Co.) Most farmers are finishing up in my area with some still trying to finish putting in their bean crop. At my Roundup Ready to Yield plot, just on the east side of Woodson, IL, received 8 tenths of rain over the weekend. The corn crop is looking really strong in parts of Greene, Scott, and Morgan Counties, ranging from a foot tall to over your head tall, with even some sites of tassels popping out near the Illinois River bottoms. Bean crop is still coming along, but like I said earlier, there is still some beans being planted!

POTATO LEAF HOPPER by Dave Love, CCA

The potato leafhopper (PLH) is a very small, bright green leafhopper.  It lives year round in the Gulf Coast region and is carried north each year via weather fronts.  In Illinois, PLH begins to appear in alfalfa when 1st cutting of alfalfa is near harvest. The 1st cutting is not affected, but subsequent cuttings during the summer can be severely impacted by this pest. The life cycle of PLH includes the egg, five nymph stages, and the adult. About three weeks are required for PLH development from egg to adult.

Figure 1. Hopper-burn symptom.

Figure 2. Adult potato leafhopper.

Losses in alfalfa yield due to PLH feeding activity can be reduced by (1) timely implementation of harvests, (2) growing of PLH resistant varieties, and (3) application of insecticide treatments when warranted.

The economic value of an alfalfa stand is also a key factor in a treatment decision. Treatment of a 1st or 2nd year stand of alfalfa may be justified, whereas treatment of an older alfalfa stand may not be warranted unless the PLH infestation is very heavy. In the case of a new alfalfa seeding, treatment may be warranted for marginal infestations of PLH to insure stand establishment.

HAIL INJURY ON CORN
Hail has pounded various market areas of the Stone Seed Group the last few days.  Hail decreases yields by reducing stands as well as destroying leaves. The severity depends on the crop’s growth stage. Corn has an advantage over soybean early in the season when storms roll through since corn’s growing point remains below ground until about the sixth-leaf stage. Young plants like this are not killed if only leaf or stem tissue is lost.

Figure 1. Corn field damaged by June 14, 2009, hail storm.

Here are some points to keep in mind if your field has been hailed:
1) Patience. Call your crop insurance agent.  Hail adjusters are trained and equipped to assess hail damage losses. Wait at least three to five days after a hail storm to obtain an accurate damage appraisal. Allow recovery time for the plants.
2) Evaluate crop growth stage. Corn growth stage at the time of the storm is critical. If the plant has less than six collared leaves, yield will rarely be affected. Expect re-growth. This is true regardless of the amount of defoliation if weather after the storm favors growth.  If the corn has more than six leaf collars visible, the growing point is vulnerable to damage.

3) Assess viable stands. Evaluate injured plants to determine the growing point’s viability. Use a sharp knife and cut lengthwise down the stem. The growing point of a healthy plant is white to cream color. Plants with a healthy growing point should survive. Make assessments of plant survival three to five days after the storm allowing plants to recover. If weather is not conducive for plant growth for a prolonged period after the storm, assessing the remaining stand may require waiting up to a week .

Some plants damaged may not recover due to a rot that develops in the stalk. The rot is visible only when plants are cut lengthwise (Figure 2). Cool damp weather following a storm discourages rapid plant recovery allowing the organisms to invade stems destroying the plant's opportunity to recover.

Left. Corn plant damaged by hail with base of stem cut lengthwise. Brown discoloration above growing point will likely kill the plant's growing point. Weather following the hail storm was not conducive for vigorous plant growth and recovery.

4) Estimate yield losses from defoliation. As just mentioned, leaf loss or defoliation will rarely affect yield before the sixth leaf stage. Plants with six leaves or greater will experience yield losses depending on the extent of the defoliation - see Table Below.

Table 1. Estimated percent yield reduction from leaf loss caused by hail damage.

Corn can withstand a substantial loss of leaf area without major yield losses. A reduction in leaf area less than 50 percent does not reduce yield if it occurs before V13. For example, at V13 - thirteen collared leaves - a 50 percent reduction in leaf area reduces yield by only 10 percent. However, when the crop is tasseled, VT, yield is reduced by 31 percent.

5) Estimate yield losses from stand reductions. Stand loss may occur following significant hail storms. Small reductions in plant survival do not impact yields much; for example a one-third reduction in stand will only reduce yield by 10 percent if it occurs before V8. Neighboring plants compensate to some extent for the lost plant.

However, after V8, yields are reduced by the same amount that the stand is reduced. A one-third reduction in stand will reduce the yield potential by one-third. We are conducting research in conjunction with the crop insurance industry to determine if this is still valid with modern hybrids and management.
Twisted whorl plants – a.k.a. tied or buggy whipped - may result from hail injury.   Depending on severity these plants will generally grow normally after a few days, but stand loss can occur if severity is high.
Once plant survival is established, determine yield potential of the current stand based on the original planting date and plant population. Compare this to the yield potential of a replant. Replanting corn now is difficult to justify based on normal planting date responses.
Overall, remember the key is to assess plant viability thoroughly once plants have had a good chance to recover. Contact your crop insurance company before destroying the crop or replanting.

 UNDERSTANDING GREEN SNAP IN CORN

What is Green Snap?

Green snap is a term to describe breakage of the stalk of the corn plant by high winds. This yield-robbing, weather-related, phenomenon occurs primarily in areas of the central and western Corn Belt where high winds are more prevalent.

Submitted by Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.)

High wind (Green Snap) and rainfall damage near Abington, IL (6-18-09)

Corn is most susceptible to green snap during the five to eight leaf stages of development and again from the twelfth leaf stage to approximately one week after silking. During these phases of growth, the plant is rapidly growing resulting in brittle cell walls. Brittleness occurs during this period because the deposition of lignin, a major structural component of cell walls, does not occur until after the end of the rapid growth phase.

Factors Affecting Green Snap
Several factors have been reported to influence the susceptibility of corn to green snap.
• Post emergence herbicides such as BanvelTM , 2, 4-D or other growth regulator herbicides.
• An increase in severe weather patterns caused by El Nino. El Nino has been shown to cause severe shifts in local weather such as temperature shifts, significant increases in rainfall, and severe thunderstorms.

Any condition that promotes high yield and rapid growth may also promote greater green snap damage. For example, conventional tillage tends to promote green snap damage during early plant development because it promotes rapid growth.
The application of high rates of nitrogen fertilizer also promotes green snap damage. Nitrogen increases the rate of vegetative growth through rapid cell division and elongation while at the same time producing weak cell walls.

Some hybrids are more prone to green snap than others. Selection of hybrids for more rigid stalks, as a means to increase standability, may also increase the hybrid’s susceptibility to breakage. Planting date can result in subtle differences in plant development. Even small differences in plant development can result in large differences in the susceptibility of stalk breakage. Likewise, planting date coupled with low levels of crop residue can influence the severity of green snap by promoting growth in warmer soils.

Determining Yield Loss
Immediate yield loss can be expected if the stalk is broken below the ear. If the damage occurs early in the growing season, the remaining plants may compensate. It is unlikely however, that total yield loss can be recovered.
If damage occurs late in the growing season, yield loss will be irreversible. Once the primary ear has developed, the only way a plant can compensate for lost stand is to initiate a secondary ear. However, the level of yield compensation will be dependent upon the hybrid’s propensity to double-ear and the amount of growing season remaining.
In cases where damage occurs below the ear, yield reduction can be estimated using the table below.

Summary:
• Corn at the V5 to V8 stage of development is most susceptible to green snap. The plant is also susceptible at the V12 through silking stage.
• Stage of plant development and timing and severity of wind are the most important factors affecting green snap.
• Management practices that promote rapid early growth may increase the severity of damage.
• Early planting coupled with low soil residue levels can increase the severity of damage.
• Application of high rates of nitrogen fertilizer or animal manure promotes green snap damage.
• Selecting hybrids with good green snap scores does not eliminate green snap damage.

IT’S HOT AND MY CORN SHUT DOWN…..Not Necessarily
Temperature alone is not a good indicator of stress in corn plants.  With regard to humidity, the discomfort index of plants is opposite to that of people. People need to lose water to keep cool; plants need to retain water to avoid wilting. The discomfort level for plants is, therefore, highest on clear, bright days with low relative humidity. This is because on bright, sunny days with low humidity, transpiration may exceed the rate of water uptake by roots causing the plant to wilt.  Loss of turgidity in plant cells also results from moisture stress.   This loss of turgidity causes stomata to close, which lowers CO2 (carbon dioxide) uptake by the leaf and reduces dry matter accumulation.  When humidity is high, crops can tolerate high temperatures because there is little moisture lost through evaporation.

We often think of high rates of transpiration as negative because they result in more rapid loss of water from the soil. When water supply is adequate, as it is in most areas this year, rapid water loss from leaves means more evaporative cooling of leaves, and also more rapid uptake of carbon dioxide, that is, higher photosynthetic rates. Rapid water loss is also associated with bright sunlight, which also means higher rates of photosynthesis. So we would normally consider a day of relatively rapid water loss to be a good day for the corn crop.

NITROGEN CONSIDERATIONS by Greg Wolf, CCA
When you look at fields of yellow corn that are showing up after all the heavy rains, the next part of the discussion usually revolves around whether it is feasible to add some more nitrogen, and if so, how much.  Many articles that are written about this are “shades of gray”.  Here’s some data from Purdue in their June, 2008 newsletter that tries to put it in black and white:
Additional N Likely Required:
IF---Urea or UAN was applied 1-2 weeks prior, or anhydrous ammonia was applied 3 to 4 weeks prior to excessive rain
AND---Silt loam field areas were saturated for more than 3 days and the crop survived
        - --Poorly drained field areas were ponded for more than 3 days and the crop survived
       ---Sandy fields received 4-8” of rainfall that infiltrated the soil
THEN---Consider adding 30-60 lbs of N/Acre
Additional N Likely NOT Required:
IF---Urea or UAN was applied 2 to 7 days prior, or anhydrous ammonia was applied 3 weeks before excessive rain
AND---Silt loam field areas were saturated for less than 3 days
        ---Poorly drained field areas that were ponded for less than 3 days
        ---Sandy fields received less than 4” of rainfall.
Additional A Team Comments:

• If you’re considering spraying a light rate of foliar fertilizer N to “green up” the corn, remember that the corn plant is trying to put its roots down deep.  You want the nitrogen down there, not just greening up the leaves, which would only be a temporary and possible illusional fix.
• If you consider spraying UAN (28% or 32%) over emerged corn it burns it and, the taller the corn, the more dicey the situation.  If you’re thinking about spraying 4-5 leaf corn, you’ll probably see heavy leaf burning if the rate is above 30#N.  If your corn is 7-8 leaf stage, don’t exceed 50-60# N.  You’ll see heavy leaf burning to the point where it could easily affect the yield.  Your landlord will have a coronary and you’ll need some serious hand holding! 

Field Focus will not be posted next week.  However, if you have a need, please contact the A-Team at any time.
Greg Wolf  (M) 309-314-5001
Dave Love (M) 217-652-9434
Jeff Brown (M) 217-714-6006
Phil Jordan (M) 309-314-5000

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Have a great week, be safe in your daily activities and celebrate our independence on July 4th.

Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

Agronomic Update – 6-18-09

Illinois Ag Statistics Service VOL. 30, NO. 16
Agricultural Summary Released June 15, 2009
More cool, wet conditions were received across Illinois this past week. Most of the precipitation was received early in the week, which allowed producers
the opportunity to start wrapping up corn planting, with soybeans not that far behind. Some fields are uneven and turning yellow due to the excess rainfall. There were 3.1 days suitable for fieldwork reported. Topsoil moisture was rated 1 percent short, 59 percent adequate, and 40 percent surplus.  The average height of corn is 10 inches, compared to 11 inches in 2008 and 25 inches for the five-year average.  Soybeans are 49 percent emerged, compared to 56 percent in 2008 and 86 percent for the five-year average. Temperatures statewide averaged 68.9 degrees, 2.3 degrees below
average.  Statewide precipitation averaged 1.62inches, .65 inch above average.

DSM Comments:

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  6-16-09 – Southwest Central IL – Last week we saw some general gentle rains which resulted in uniform bean emergence especially in clay clods.  SWAG method on % of beans planted – 70% .  Corn root development is progressing as nitrogen sources are being tapped.  Corn over knee high looks very good.   Several 1st generation corn borer moths and larvae in the mid rib of Non GMO and refuge acres have been observed.  This may be a year for 3 generations.  Lightning bugs are out which generally means rootworm larvae have hatched.  This week started off with some gentle rains of 2 to 3 tenths each on 15th and 16th.  More is predicted but weekend seems to be clear…so far.

EASTERN IL:  Scott Good (Milford, IL – Iroquois Co.)  Everything is growing like crazy with all of the heat that we are receiving.  Seems fields that were having issues are growing out of it.  I can actually say that I have corn that is chest high and looking GREAT!!!  But on the other hand some things are just starting to get some growth in them.  In a side by side with a Pioneer 2.9 maturity our Round up Ready 2 yield (2R2809) is showing two distinctive early advantages; more vegetative growth and a darker green color.  I am looking forward to fall to see how things play out.

8T468 near Earl Park, IN Planted 4/23/09

EASTERN IL: Greg Repp (Westfield, IL – Clark Co.)Corn planting is finally done. Guys planted about 80% of their corn. Bean planting is probably 25% done.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.)  More rain was received yesterday (Tuesday) and the surrounding areas report anywhere from a half inch to two inches.  The only corn being planted, or planned on being planted, is patching in some fields.  Almost all growers are switching acreage over to beans.  In the immediate area we are still three dry and hot days from being able to do anything.  The corn that was able to be put in the ground looks good in some areas and pretty rough in others.  It just depends on how much rain was recorded and how soon it rained after planting.  There are some beans popping up, and what was planted earlier looks pretty good.  On the other hand, like I stated a week ago, the majority of growers in this immediate area have less than 10% of their beans planted, so there’s still a long way to go down here.

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – DeKalb Co.)  What a cool and wet week...early Saturday morning we picked up another 1.2" of rain...Tuesday was our 4th day since April of an 80 degree temp...10 of the first 17 day of June have yielded very little sun light...corn is putting leaves on very slowly...most corn at 4 leaf stage and 12" corn fields are far and few between...side dress started yesterday...many wet pockets...beans no tilled into stalks having real tough time emerging...some have been in ground for 2 weeks...as you look across corn fields, stands are weak and not there...corn and beans are getting weedy...many yellow streaks through all corn fields...corn planting basically complete...bean planting about 80 percent complete...NO insect problems.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.)   WET, WET, WET…… for those wanting to plant corn, the calendar has all but wiped out any chance to continue corn planting.  Some corn fields look good and others not good at all.  The fields of corn that have stunted plants from too much water won’t recover.  There is a huge worry by lots of growers if they will be able get their remaining fields planted.  If growers haven’t been in contact with their crop insurance agent for policy options, they should soon.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman  (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.)  Fields remain wet near Tuscola since receiving  1.7” since Monday.  However, all the corn and almost all the beans are in the ground.  I have a dealer in Nashville, Ill. still trying to finish corn and beans.  It is WET down in southern Ill.  With the heat coming on the corn and beans are really going to grow now. 

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McClean Co.)  Most of the area has completed planting both corn and beans with just a few remaining. Seed return is finishing up and accounts settlement is in progress.  Hauling some replant beans tomorrow.  Crops are starting to look better.  Rain fell south of Downs but most of the area received very little moisture. Planting is almost completely done. Next week ‘09 will be put to bed..Hallelujah!!

WEEDS AND NITROGEN USE
Weeds compete with the growing crop for water and nutrients.  In depth studies have been conducted to determine the nutrient uptake by the weeds compared to the corn crop. Did you know 6” tall weeds use 1.5 times as much nitrogen as corn?

To view the research report, follow the link below:

http://nwroc. umn.edu/Cropping_Issues/2009/Issue1/05_19_09_no4.htm

Size Restrictions for Post Emergence Herbicides in Corn - by Bob Hartzler, Department of Agronomy, Iowa State
While most farmers and applicators have good intentions to apply herbicides in a timely fashion, it isn’t uncommon for equipment limitations or weather to result in delayed applications. Nearly all post emergence herbicides have restrictions on how late in the season they can be delayed. 

The most common reason for the restriction is the reduction in crop tolerance to the herbicide as corn size increases. For some products the application timing is restricted to prevent herbicide residues from exceeding tolerance levels in the grain. Regardless of the reason, it is important to follow the restriction.  Timely applications not only avoid problems with label restrictions, but they also provide more effective control due to treating weeds at a more susceptible stage and at a time when the crop canopy does not interfere with coverage, and  also are more effective at protecting yields from early season competition than late application. 

The A-Team have been on several herbicide related field calls this week including weather related cases of crop damage from labeled herbicide applications, off-site spray drift from surrounding fields and even sprayer tank contamination from improper cleaning between corn and soybeans. 

(right picture) Results of Improper Tank Cleaning

SPRAYER TANK CLEANING is an important part of responsible pesticide use and is easy to do if you take the time.  Failure to clean equipment may result in contamination and crop injury.  To reduce the risk of crop injury or contamination from previous applications, keep these clean-up guidelines in mind:

FOLLOW GOOD CLEANING PRACTICES
• Don’t wait to clean. Clean sprayer as soon as possible after use. Sprayers can retain significant amounts of pesticide solution even after they are considered “empty.”  Leaving the spray solution in the sprayer for long periods of time increases the risk of contamination.  Dried pesticides are harder to remove than pesticides still in solution.
• Determine where to clean. Clean spray equipment where the rinsate can be safely disposed of and will not contaminate water supplies or other sensitive areas. The best place for rinsate disposal is usually in the field, consistent with the product’s label.
• Use the right cleaner. Cleaning agents should be selected based on the pesticide and formulation to be cleaned.  Refer to the label for specific cleaning products to use. Some product labels recommend the cleaning solution stand in the sprayer for several hours or overnight.  Some herbicides – such as plant growth regulator (dicamba, 2, 4-D, Status, NorthStar etc.) or HPPD inhibitor (Callisto, Impact, Laudis) herbicides – may be particularly difficult to clean from a sprayer and can cause very visual symptoms on soybeans.  Several herbicides (glyphosate in particular) make very effective tank cleaners and do an excellent job of removing any pesticide residues that were not removed by rinsing, thus increasing the risk of injury from residue remaining in the spraying system.  Leaving a sprayer load standing for a few hours or overnight can also increase the risk of contamination. 
• Clean all equipment parts. Focus on more than just the tank. Pesticide residues on hoses, sumps, strainers, pump surfaces and other sprayer components can also cause contamination.
• Clean strainers daily. Check and clean strainers daily as these can be a source of contamination. Most sprayers have up to three different strainers. In addition, partly plugged strainers may create a pressure drop and reduce the nozzle flow rate. 

• Handle safely.  When cleaning sprayer equipment, wear the same personal protective equipment (PPE) required by the pesticide label for making the application. It is also a good idea to wear a chemical-resistant apron and eye protection. Remember that cleaning practices will vary depending on equipment and products used.  Always refer to the pesticide label for specific cleaning instructions.

Iowa State University Extension

Situation:  You go into a field and you see white corn, similar to the picture.  Let’s check off some possibilities:

“Bleacher Herbicides” such as Callisto, Lumax and Lexar, inhibit carotenoid synthesis, which protect chlorophyll from light.  Inhibited carotenoids means chlorophyll is destroyed which means white plants.  Are there patterns in the field?  Is it where there is sprayer overlap?  Is it where a sprayer started its pass and applied too much?  Most times the plant outgrows this and returns to a green color.  Slice open the plant to see if the growing point is still healthy.

Roundup - As a non-tolerant corn plant dies, it’ll go from light green to, whitish, to yellow, to dead in a space of 7-14 days.
     
Accent herbicide combinations  - Spray over the labeled height or in stressful weather environments and you’ll probably get a white “flashing” patch on the leaves.

Zinc - Usually you’ll see light colored bands of interveinal chlorosis running the length of the leaves, but in a severe deficiency situation you’ll see a broad, whitish band coming in from the edge of the leaf to the midrib, usually near the base of the leaf.  Severe deficiencies  could be seen on sandy ground, or soils high in phosphorus, cold, wet soils or soils with a pH of 7.3 or higher, especially once you hit 7.8 or higher.  There may be good levels of zinc in the soil, but it is unavailable to the plant.

Sulfur - This is usually a yellowish color to the leaves, but in rare severe situations you could see whitish colored areas on the upper leaves of the plant.  It is uncommon, but could be found on acidic, cold, sandy soils.

A cold weather snap followed by warm days - You could see whitish leaves followed by normal green leaves.     Some of you have probably seen white corn from other reasons too.  When you see these things keep an open mind to consider the possibilities.

SOYBEAN RUST
United States Soybean Rust Commentary (updated: 06/15/09)
On June 15th, Soybean rust was confirmed in two kudzu sites in Jefferson County in the panhandle of Florida. Incidence ranged from 3-10%. On June 11th, soybean rust was found at very low levels on kudzu in Baldwin County, Alabama. On June 9th, soybean rust was detected on kudzu in Grady County, Georgia.
Soybean rust scouting continues in the U.S. and Mexico. In 2009, soybean rust has been found in five states and 21 counties in United States, and in two states and five municipalities in Mexico.
Soybean rust has been confined to the Deep South so far this year. However, it will undoubtedly move north as the season progresses.  An effective preventative management treatment is the application of a fungicide such as Headline®.  Not only is it effective against Asian soybean rust, but it's also labeled for use against other diseases prone to soybeans, such as Cercospora blight, anthracnose and frogeye leaf spot.
Fungicides like Headline® need to be applied prior to any visual evidence of a disease being present.  The best way to ensure that the fungicide will protect the plant is to inhibit the development of soybean rust before an infection has taken place.
Another option is Quilt® fungicide, which has both preventative and curative properties. Both products generally provide 14 to 21 days of coverage, so it's best to make the initial application a few days before you believe soybean rust will be entering your area and make follow-up applications two to three weeks later.

Whatever you use, coverage is crucial because these fungicides are not systemic.  You need to cover the entire plant, and it's a good idea to use a tank mix containing an adjuvant for surfactant and drift-reduction properties.

Symptoms begin on the lower leaves of the plant, usually in the lower plant canopy. Small pustules (gray to tan or brown) surrounded by necrotic areas usually develop first on the underside of leaves on the lower part of the plant. Lesions can also appear on pods and stems. Tiny, raised pustules develop in the lesions, and the pustules break open and release tiny tan to gray spores.

Pathogen Involved:

Two species of rust fungi cause soybean rust. Phakopsora pachyrhizi (aggressive Asian pathogen) and P. meibomiae (mild pathogen). Only P. pachyrhizi causes significant yield losses. Both cause the same symptoms, and they can be distinguished only with specialized laboratory tests. These fungi are obligate pathogens that survive only on green, living host plant tissue, and are readily dispersed long distances by wind.

Time of Occurrence:

Can occur at all stages of soybean development, but is most common in or after the middle of the growing season.

Conditions Favoring Disease:

Extended periods of moderate temperatures (59°F to 85°F), wet weather, leaf wetness, and high humidity (over 75%).

Disease Management:

Scout soybean lower canopy weekly. Soybean rust can be managed with the judicious use of fungicides that must be applied properly and at the correct time.

I THINK I HAVE ANHYDROUS DAMAGE??

The A-Team was contacted by a grower who suspected a cloud of NH3 had blown over his field.   He suspected that the neighbor had a broken or leaking hose while sidedressing.  Upon first seeing the field, there was a crescent shaped area that showed leaf burning and stunting.  Obviously there was a problem of some kind.  Looking at the neighbors field, there were two – three rows along the field border showing the same symptoms.

We were a little perplexed with the pattern of symptoms. Fortunately, the neighbor passed by and, after introductions, he was asked whether he had a problem with his applicator and said he hadn’t.  What we finally determined is that the roadside ditch had been cleaned a couple of years ago and the soil feathered out along the edges of field with a road maintainer, thus showing the irregular pattern.  The final analysis is a potassium defeciency .

Submitted by Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.)

High wind and rainfall damage near Abington, IL  (6-18-09)

The Brand and variety of corn in the above pictures is unknown.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS:
Please mark your calendar for these important dates.  More details will follow.
July 20     Stone Seed Group Genuity Technology Showcase           Monmouth, IL
July 22     Stone Seed Group Genuity Technology Showcase           Champaign, IL
July 27     Stone Seed Group Genuity Technology Showcase           Monmouth, IL

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

The A-Team wishes everyone a HAPPY FATHERS DAY and a great week.

Field Focus Agronomic Update:  6/12/09

DSM Territory Updates:

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – Ogle Co.)  Gone through another week of wet, cool weather...Monday very early AM picked up 1.8" rain...then at 2:30 pm picked up another .75" in 20 minutes...NO planting has been done since last Sunday...many acres of beans left to plant...after all we have gone through, corn is very small but looking remarkably good...if weather stays cool and wet root diseases will start thinning beans...looking at 94 days for corn to get to black layer if we average 22 HU per day...so far wheat looking very good but 10 days later than last year.

EASTERN IL:  Scott Good (Milford, IL – Iroquois Co.)  We have had a great run in East Central IL.  Things are getting finished up with just a few bean acres left to plant.  There have been very few acres that needed to be replanted and as long as this next rain is good to us and does not flood us out, we should be good.  Just like everywhere else there is tall corn and short corn but overall everything looks great.  There are some yellow streaks throughout some fields due to nitrogen loss and compaction.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Meyer (Mattoon, IL – Coles Co.)  We don’t need it to rain for a month.  A few guys are done in the northern portion of my territory but there is still a lot of corn to be planted in the south.  Most have just started soybeans.

NORTH CENTRAL IL:  Tony Strom (Victoria – Knox Co.)    Rainfall accumulation on Thursday was .8 – 1.5 inches.  Soybean planting is virtually completed in Knox, Warren and Stark County.  There are several corn fields with wet areas showing yellowing due to N loss and stands are uneven.  Southern Knox County was damaged with a band of hail.  Regrowth appears normal at this time.  Growers are concerned with weed control on soybean fields since a large amount of acres did not get ‘Burn Down’ applied.  Herbicide rates will need to be increased for adequate control.

CENTRAL IL:  Russ Terry (Mclean, IL – Mclean Co.)  Most of the growers will soon have things wrapped up. Corn planted on well drained soils are exceeding the V2 Stage and with all things considered, the stand looks pretty good. I think those of us who didn’t sell the rotary hoes for scrap, are patting ourselves on the back. As for the corn planted on the less well drained soils…it’s a little rough. Bean emergence has been a touchy subject. Growers fortunate enough to get them planted in between storm systems appear to be okay. I looked at a stand of Roundup Ready 2 Yield beans this week that was approaching the V2 stage. It looked great and showed no signs of insect damage.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Craig Saddoris (Shelbyville, IL – Shelby Co.)  Corn planting is all but wrapped up in this area.  There was finally a good window last week and week-end to finish corn and put a lot of beans in the ground.  The last two days have dropped just over half an inch up to 3 inches.  Later planted corn is looking excellent and there are a lot of beans emerging.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Tucker Beckmier (Atwood, IL – Moultrie/Douglas Co.) Corn planting wrapped up last week and soybean planting is nearing the end.  Yesterday we received between ½ to three inches across the area.  Nearly all the corn is emerged now and stands look solid.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.)  Rain, rain, and more rain. Over the past two days my area has received as little as a half inch to as much as 4 inches of rain. The growers that are in the areas with the larger amounts of rainfall will likely be switching corn acreage over to beans.  There have been a lot more beans planted this past weekend.  I have been seeing a lot of marestail on the stalk ground.  Some of the ground has been sprayed with erratic results.  The wheat is changing very quickly.  By the looks of things harvest will begin in a couple more weeks.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Paul Jockisch (Havana, IL – Mason Co.)  The area has been very spotty with showers over the past week.  Some areas only received a couple tenths, while other areas received over 6 inches.  I had a couple growers from Western IL report they had 5 to 7 inches of rain in little over an hour last week.  As a result, there have been corn and beans replanted on many acres.  A large area of river bottom acres has been under water for the last 5 months and will probably remain fallow for the remainder of the year.  I have been witnessing many uneven stands due to early wireworm and cutworm feedings, poor seedbed conditions during planting and compaction on heavier soils throughout most of the area.  Overall, corn planting is complete, with just a few farmers needing another day or two to finish up with beans.  Many fields are becoming very weedy due to abundant moisture and warmer temperature; especially the ones that didn’t get sprayed before planting.  Nearer Havana, on the sand, pea harvest is in full swing, rain or shine.  I hope this will result in a few more bean sales for double crop.  All in all, considering the year, most farmers are in good shape and almost everyone is still in the fields catching up on spraying or side dressing corn.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) Some counties were able to hit corn planting hard this week.  A few growers were able to finish planting corn.   Inconsistent plant stands of the corn crop are concerning several growers.  A hard hitting storm developed just east of St Louis and moved south east last week causing lots of damage to homes, farmstead buildings and crops.  Hail heavily damaged or wiped out some 4 leaf corn and wheat fields.  Bean planting has cranked up also, but emergence worries also exist.  Lots of low bottom ground will be planted to beans if they can get planted at all. 

NORTH CENTRAL IL:  Mark Blackert (Cambridge, IL – Henry Co.)  Some soybeans are being planted but growers are nearing completion. Corn stands are from good to excellent and soybean stands are excellent.   I have received several comments from producers of the excellent quality soybean seed they planted this year.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Andrew Musselman (Hopedale, IL – Tazewell, Co.)  Since June 1 we’ve had 1.92” of rain at Hopedale, with 7 days of recordable rain events.  Some in the area have received localized heavier rain events.  Cloudy, cool conditions have prevailed, but today is sunny.  Corn planting is all but finished, and a few soybeans are left to plant, mainly in the clay and timber soil areas. 

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.) 6-9-09 – Weather has cooperated and Corn planting is virtually complete with a few wet holes being spotted in. We have corn from Preemerge to Mid-whorl stages (fortunately not in the same row).  Many soybean acres were and are being planted.  To date no severe insect issues.  Nothing has been ideal this year and the major concerns have been making sure an adequate stand is secured.  In many areas some gentle soaking  rains would be appreciated to swell and sprout some beans planted in clods.  Weed control will continue to be a challenge.

Late Planting Considerations for Soybeans

• Change early maturing soybeans to a later maturity product adapted to the area to maximize height and yield potential.
  1. Plant mid to late season to optimize pod count; i.e. 3.4-3.9 for Champaign, Decatur areas and areas near Geneseo, McNabb and Galva should be planting 3.0, 3.2 and 3.4 soybeans, respectively.  Growers in Northern Illinois should plant 2.8 – 3.0 soybeans.
  2. In another week to 10 days, consider switching your fullest season soybeans to mid season soybeans to reduce the risk of frost damage in the fall.
• Plant in Narrow rows or drill
  1. 15” width if possible to speed canopy closure (to beat the weeds) and increase soybean plant sunlight interception (improve plant growth efficiency).
• Increase planting rate 10 to 15%
  1. The goal is to increase canopy closure rate and to compensate for smaller plants due to later planting.
• Control weeds early
  
• If switching intended crop to soybeans, consider the impact of herbicides that have been applied.
  1. Check last week’s FIELD FOCUS for comments on atrazine.  Check your herbicide label for “plant back” restrictions. 
• Evaluate insurance options
  1.  Contact your local insurance agent for coverage and options.  USDA has the following help fact sheets and examples at: http://www.rma.usda.gov/news/currentissues/prevented/index.html

Reprinted from Corny News Network. Originally published 1995, updated June 2009 
Corn and the Ugly Duckling - R.L. (Bob) Nielsen

UGLY DUCKLINGS CAN CHANGE INTO BEAUTIFUL SWANS
What little corn that was planted back in late April and early May is beginning to reach an important milestone in its growth and development. Recognition of this event helps explain the annual transition from a slow-growing, often ugly, field of corn to one that grows like wildfire. 

Every year, for the first five weeks or so after corn planting is finished, the guys down at the Chat 'n Chew Café complain royally about the looks of the crop. Gripes about uneven stands, poor color, and slow growth abound around the tables as everyone airs their concerns about the looks of their neighbors' fields. 

Then suddenly one day, the tone of the conversation in between the coffee and sweet rolls perks up. Almost overnight, the crop has taken off like a rocket. The color of the leaves turns dark, almost-blue green and they develop a distinct shine. From that point on, any connoisseur of corn feels better about life in general.

What happens?
During the first five weeks or so after planting, the corn plant is going about the business of creating all of the leaves it will ever have.  A few of these leaves are visible, but most are wrapped tightly deep inside the whorl, biding their time until it’s their turn to emerge. 

Some root development is also occurring during these same first five weeks. In fact, the successful development of the first three or four sets of nodal roots during this time will go a long way to ensuring successful stand establishment of the crop.  Even though new leaves and some roots are developing during this time, the rate of increase in total plant dry matter is relatively slow. The photosynthetic 'factory' is small, as is the size of the raw material accumulator devices (the roots). 

Once the corn plant reaches the five or six leaf stage (determined by number of visible leaf collars), a miraculous turn of events occurs. The final leaf is created at the main growing point of the plant (near the top of the 'pyramid' of stalk tissue) and the plant turns its attention toward developing the reproductive structures known as the tassel and ears.

At the same time, the size of the photosynthetic ‘factory’ and its supporting staff of roots are reaching a critical mass that is finally capable of manufacturing greater and greater amounts of energy.  With greater amounts of available energy, the 'factory' begins to convert more and more of the incoming nutrients and carbon dioxide into sugars, starches, and other plant dry matter. 

Subsequently, the stalk begins to elongate rapidly, the roots begin to develop rapidly, the tassel develops rapidly, the tiny ears within the ear shoots develop rapidly, and suddenly the plant is growing like wildfire. From about knee-high corn to the onset of pollination, the corn crop progresses through its most rapid growth phase (above and below-ground), including the uptake of the lion's share of soil nutrients for use during the grain fill period.

By now you may be wondering what the moral of this story is. Primarily, it's a reminder to take time once in a while to look at this King of Crops in awe and wonder. Secondarily, be reminded that an ugly duckling of a corn crop that reaches the five to six leaf stages in reasonably good condition will usually turn the corner and become a beautiful swan of a corn crop during the next few weeks. 

Thirdly, be reminded that true yield potential is just beginning to be determined at the start of this rapid growth phase. Ugly corn up to this point in time has not necessarily lost its yield potential. Ear size is determined from about knee-high to shoulder-high corn. Weather during pollination and grain fill finish off the yield determination.  While we often moan and complain about the looks of young corn, it often surprises us with acceptable yields in the fall.

Growing Degree Days (GDD) and Corn Growth

By using GDD’s (Heat Units) we can accurately predict various growth stages in a corn plants life.  This table will help you determine key growth stages for corn based on GDD accumulation.

These figures are approximate GDD’s for a mid season hybrid to reach different growth stages from the time of planting.

If you want to see how to relate these numbers to growing degree accumulations in your area, go to the ILLINOIS STATE WATER SURVEY website GDD calculator at http://www.isws.illinois.edu/warm/cropdata/

NASS Illinois Crop Progress Percents by Districts - June 7, 2009

All reports indicate that corn is well behind the 5-year average. The corn crop is currently rated at 57 percent good to excellent, 36 percent fair, and 7 percent poor to very poor. With the ongoing reports of surplus field moisture and the relatively late corn season, many farmers are switching acres intended to be planted with corn to soybeans.  Soybeans are currently reported as 59 percent planted and 23 percent emerged, once again considerably behind the 5-year average.

Contributions to FIELD FOCUS are made by the Stone Seed Group “A-Team”.  Please contact us if you desire more information or explanation.  We’ll be glad to help you.

Dave Love, CCA     Petersburg, IL         (M) 217.652.9434
Greg Wolf, CCA      Geneseo, IL             (M) 309.314.5001
Jeff Brown, CCA      Sidell, IL                    (M) 217.714.6006
Phil Jordan, CCA     Geneseo, IL            (M) 217.317.5000

We wish everyone in the Stone Seed Group Family a great week and good luck in completing planting and other field activities.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Phil Jordan, Lead Agronomist – Stone Seed Group

Field Focus Agronomic Update:  6/4/09

Illinois had another good week for planting progress, gaining 20 points over the previous week but well behind the 5 year average.  Rainfall slowed planting in many areas again last weekend.  2009 is turning out to be one of the slowest finishes for corn planting since 1995, when only 50% of the corn was planted by the end of May.  The first crop condition report was published 6/1/09 with similar ratings to the previous year.

Reported by the National Agricultural Statistics
Service (NASS) 6/1/09

Corn:  Percent Planted,Selected States

      :      Week Ending      :      

      :------------------------------: 2004-

 State:May 31,:May 24,:May 31,: 2008 

      : 2009  : 2009  : 2008  : Avg. 

: Percent :

CO    :   90      79      97      97 

IL    :   82      62      91      98 

IN    :   78      55      86      95 

IA    :   99      97      96      99 

KS    :   97      93      97      98 

KY    :   89      75      93      97 

MI    :   91      77      97      93 

MN    :   99      96      98      98 

MO    :   90      81      81      95 

NE    :  100      98      97      99 

NC    :  100     100     100     100 

ND    :   84      61      98      97 

OH    :   97      76      93      97 

PA    :   85      72      80      89 

SD    :   96      82      92      96 

TN    :   94      88      99     100 

TX    :   98      97      99      99 

WI    :   94      82      90      92 

      :                              

18 Sts:   93      82      94      97 

--------------------------------------

These 18 States planted 92% of last year's corn acreage.        

Corn:  Crop Condition by Percent, 
           Selected States,          
       Week Ending May 31, 2009      
--------------------------------------
  State : VP  :  P  :  F  :  G  : EX 
--------------------------------------
        :           Percent          
        :                            
CO      :  0     1     6    62    31 
IL      :  2     6    38    45     9 
IN      :  2     4    29    55    10 
IA      :  0     2    19    62    17 
KS      :  1     5    28    55    11 
KY      :  1     7    40    42    10 
MI      :  1     1    30    58    10 
MN      :  0     2    21    66    11 
MO      :  1     6    38    45    10 
NE      :  0     0    11    73    16 
NC      :  0     1    13    65    21 
ND      :  0     5    25    65     5 
OH      :  0     2    18    61    19 
PA      :  0     1    24    63    12 
SD      :  0     5    40    49     6 
TN      :  7    13    32    42     6 
TX      :  5    10    36    46     3 
WI      :  0     2    23    58    17 
        :                             
18 Sts  :  1     3    26    58    12 
        :                            
Prev Wk : NA    NA    NA    NA    NA 

Prev Yr :  2     5    30    53    10

Soybeans:  Percent Planted, Selected States

      :      Week Ending      :      

      :------------------------------: 2004-

 State:May 31,:May 24,:May 31,: 2008 

      : 2009  : 2009  : 2008  : Avg. 

--------------------------------------

      :Percent: 

AR    :  45      37      51      74  

IL    :  34      12      54      82  

IN    :  50      25      58      78  

IA    :  91      80      81      90  

KS    :  62      43      52      63  

KY    :  30      13      36      58  

LA    :  88      79      85      84  

MI    :  62      43      89      76  

MN    :  89      75      87      86  

MS    :  83      80      91      96  

MO    :  43      28      34      65  

NE    :  97      88      71      85  

NC    :  52      41      44      47  

ND    :  54      27      94      85  

OH    :  84      44      71      83  

SD    :  73      47      65      71  

TN    :  31      22      46      66  

WI    :  79      54      74      76  

      :                              

18 Sts:  66      48      67      79  

--------------------------------------

These 18 States planted 95% of last year's soybean acreage.

DSM Comments:

SOUTH CENTRAL IL - Jay Ryan (Pana, IL – Christian Co.) Well the planters finally rolled hard over Memorial Weekend.  As I stated in my last update we observed heavy rainfall totals on the Monday and Tuesday following that weekend.  About as fast as growers and seedsmen were excited to see progress in the region we quickly seen problems with uneven and in many cases no emergence.  We experienced "the perfect storm" for seed rot.  Soils were already saturated at planting and soil temperatures were warm enough to initiate germination and split the seed coat.  Even so, heavy rains followed by cloudy days and the lack of oxygen led to one of the fastest and wide spread seed rot issues seen in Central Illinois.  Luckily, the region is starting to witness that "the Sunday corn" (May 24th planted) in many cases did not crack the seed coat prior to the heavy rains and fortunately there looks to be a larger percentage of that days corn going to make it as it had a stronger barrier to keep the moisture out.  I truly commend the growers in my area for having back to back challenging spring seasons and still being able to push forward to make the best year that they can make of it.

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston – Ogle Co.) FEEL LIKE WE LIVE IN THE RAINFORESTS OF BRAZIL…a small amount of bean planting went on Sunday even though field conditions were not the greatest…not much progress was made…Sunday night rainfall totals were from 1.2” to 2.5”….one grower in Mt. Morris area has 3200 acres of corn to plant and another in the Genoa area has 2900 acres of corn to plant…don’t know when the heavy black soils will be fit, if ever…asked one grower on Tuesday when he would finish beans…his comment “when it freezes up”…corn is just not moving due to lack of sun and heat…most corn is in the 2 leaf stage…beans have just begun to come up and stands to date appear to be good…expect to see more root diseases with the wet soil conditions…more rainfall predicted Saturday thru Monday…wish all the best out there and BE SAFE IN THESE WET CONDITIONS.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  6/4/09 - The area continues to complete planting of corn and soybean.  Corn planted over the Memorial Day week end is struggling and may need to be replanted or spotted in..  Weed control in planted crops has been accomplished but it’s been a challenge.  Corn is still showing water logged stress but several fields are knee high and hitting the N.  Warmer temps and sunshine are needed.  Cutworms are2nd instar and may be a threat to later planted corn.  Some producers are increasing the planting rate on soybean 5 to 10 %.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dennis Opperman (Tuscola, IL – Douglas Co.)  The area received close to an inch of rain late Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning in Tuscola.  Most customers had just finished corn and were starting on beans.  Stands look pretty good and very little replant is needed.  Just hoping by the weekend to get back into fields to either finish corn or get a good start on bean planting.  Take care and be safe.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Browntown, IL – Fayette Co.)  With much of the area receiving rain this past Tuesday night and into Wednesday there is no one doing any type of field work today.  The rain was very inconsistent ranging from a tenth to an inch and a half in some areas.  The next chance guys get to plant, there will be a lot of re planting, but there will also be many guys hitting some fields for the first time. The majority of guys will probably have both the corn and bean planters rolling at the same time.  Most of the replant that will be taking place is from the corn that was planted on Saturday and Sunday about two weeks ago.  The corn that was planted on Thursday and Friday, just a day or two earlier, is looking real good and seems to be a much better stand than the Sat. and Sun. corn.  There have been reports of some growers in the area spraying for cutworms.  It will definitely be something to get out and scout for.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) The towels are in hand and ready to be tossed in on corn planting.  Lots of replanting of corn will have to be done, if the soils dry out in time.  Crop insurance agents are busy in my area with their tasks.  The precipitation that fell in the area was varied.  The wheat crop is turning fast towards maturity and yields appear to going down also.  There still aren’t any bug problems as of yet that I am aware of.  As a whole most growers think this year is rougher that last year in getting the crop planted. 

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Dale Luster (Downs, IL – McClean Co.)  Had some growers planting beans north of route 24 Thursday. With continued drying we will be planting beans on Saturday in McClean Co. where corn planting is done and ½ or more have completed planting beans. Many of my dealers and customers are done with beans and ready to put the planters in the shed.

 

 

Agronomic Contacts:  Our goal is to be available to our customers and to help the DSM’s with production related calls.  If you are unable to get in touch with your DSM, please call one of our offices or contact one of us direct.

Greg Wolf, CCA, Geneseo (M) 309.314.5001
Dave Love, CCA, Petersburg (M) 217.652.9434
Jeff Brown, CCA, Sidell (M) 217.714.6006
Phil Jordan, CCA, Geneseo (M) 309.314.5000

 

Determining Corn Leaf Stages:  There are two basic methods used for leaf staging corn; leaf collar method and droopy leaf method.  A good description of each is found on the Corny News Network.  Follow this link to get a better understanding of each method.  http://www.agry.purdue.edu/ext/corn/news/timeless/VStageMethods.html

Planting Soybeans After In-season Atrazine Application:
Comments by Greg Wolf – CCA
Questions are being asked about replanting soybeans to fields that have had an atrazine application this season.
Growers  aren’t going to wait around for the oat assays and soil test results to check for atrazine, so over the years I’ve relied on these observations:

---if it has been 4-6 weeks since the date of atrazine application and the rate was 1-1 ½# a.i., and the soil is 3% or greater organic matter, it’ll probably be fine, especially with all the rain we’ve had this year.  You’ll see yellow beans where the herbicide was overlapped or where the spray applicator started off on his runs.
---a lot of the premixes, such as Harness Xtra, Degree Extra, and Bicep Lite, have atrazine rates that are in the 1-1 ½# range.  Some of the Guardsman Max and Bicep II rates would be higher, and you’d have to figure what rate was applied.
---We used to try and correlate iron chlorosis ratings to atrazine carryover tolerances, but it was never consistent.
---there are times that growers ask what would work better; to tear up the field or replant into no-till.  Ideally you would tear up the field to further dilute the atrazine, but since that isn’t possible in most cases this year due to saturated soils or poor soil conditions, the rainfall that is causing those conditions is also making it easier to replant into the atrazine treated fields.

BLACK CUTWORM:  “Don’t count Black Cutworm down and out just yet.  Recent reports indicate some Midwest cornfields have significant populations of black cutworms.  Based on the late planting and resulting excessive weed growth in many fields, black cutworm can still be a threat to our recently planted cornfields.  Moths are drawn to weedy fields for laying eggs.  The hatched cutworm larvae can easily cut 4-5 plants throughout their development.  Heavy infestations will challenge seed treatments, soil applied insecticides and Bt corn, so a timely field check is still the best approach to identifying damage from this pest.  In commercial corn, control measures are recommended if 3-5% cutting is observed. 

For more information on Black Cutworm, click on the following link:  University of Illinois Extension Black Cutworm fact sheet.”

Hail Damage:  Submitted by Jeff Brown - CCA

“This photo was taken Tuesday near Charleston, Illinois just three days after a major hail storm.  The grower was convinced the stand was a complete loss.  After closer examination, it was discovered that the corn growth stage at the time of hail was at 4 leaf collars.  The growing point in corn plants with 5 leaf collars or less is still underground which protects it from hail injury.  Even though many of the plants had lost all leaf structure, plants were already responding to good growing conditions by greening up and telescoping up out of the dead leaf tissue.  With a good plant stand, this field will only sacrifice 10-15% of potential yield which is far less than the potential loss associated with replanting.”

Early Season Soybean and Corn Diseases:
There are already early replanting reports of both soybeans and corn in some parts of the state due to flooding and heavy crusting. Soil with very high clay content makes it prone to crusting, flooding as well as seedling blights. The repeated drying and wetting is actually perfect for the most common group of soil borne pathogens – the “water molds”. These fungus-like organisms produce swimming spores when the soil is saturated and the spores are attracted to plant roots. The damage by these pathogens is most severe prior to when soybeans and corn emerge from the soil and when the plants are still seedlings. For soybeans, the hypocotyls and cotyledons are infected prior to emergence and the same is true for the corn mesocotyl (The mesocotyl is the tubular, white, stemlike tissue connecting the seed and the base of the coleoptile.  Technically, the mesocotyl is the first internode of the stem.) In addition, roots of both plants can be infected as necrotic root lesions develop throughout the season. Without a strong healthy root system – plants have a tough time making grain.

Management of these water molds is a bit of a challenge but there are some things we can do.
1. Manage the drainage. Fields that are poorly drained are especially prone to these and most likely many of you know which fields require replanting more often.

2. Choose resistant varieties/hybrids. For soybeans this is especially true for Phytophthora sojae; be sure to pick a variety with a gene combined with high levels of partial resistance. For Pythium spp. which attack soybean and corn, right now resistance to seedling blights is a bit of an unknown.

Pythium spp. Healthy 

Phytopthora sojae

Seedling Blight on Corn

3. Don’t mud the seed in. This is probably the best management plan. For problem fields it is critical to only plant when conditions are best for the plant – not the pathogen.

Miscellaneous weed management issues and questions - Reprinted from C.O.R.N. Newsletter 2009-16

1. Is it possible to control marestail in emerged soybeans? In numerous no-till soybean fields, omission of 2,4-D ester in burndown treatments resulted in a failure to control marestail, and soybeans have now emerged. As many growers know from previous experience, it can be almost impossible to adequately control marestail plants that have recovered from earlier treatments with herbicide. The best case here is that the marestail plants are not herbicide-resistant, and the soybeans are Roundup Ready, which allows use of a high rate of Roundup or a combination of Roundup plus FirstRate or Classic. Resistance to glyphosate and/or ALS inhibitors will limit the effectiveness of these treatments. Control is more difficult in non-GMO soybeans, since FirstRate and Classic are the only options. These two herbicides are not that good on large marestail anyway, and populations in many non-GMO fields are ALS-resistant. All (yes – all) other post-emergence soybean herbicides have essentially no activity on marestail, and usually cannot be counted on to even slow the growth of marestail.

2. Will pre-emergence herbicides still have activity after remaining on the soil surface for several weeks? The answer to this is generally “yes”, and you can expect some activity from herbicide once rain finally moves it down into the soil. Herbicide can be lost from the soil surface via degradation, but dry soil conditions will limit the rate at which this occurs. Minor losses from photodecomposition or volatility are possible with certain herbicides, but most are not especially susceptible to this. The bigger issue here is the emergence of weeds between application and rainfall, which will generally require some type of post-emergence herbicide treatment even if the pre-emergence herbicides are finally “activated”.

3. Dry weather has limited weed emergence – can we expect a major late flush of weeds when we finally get substantial rain? This question obviously applies only to certain areas within the state, since other areas have received an abundance of rain. The second part to this question was whether post-emergence herbicide applications should be delayed in corn to wait for later-emerging weeds, even if it meant switching herbicides. One way to look at this is that in any spring, a certain portion of the weed seed bank has broken dormancy and is “primed” to germinate once environmental conditions (primarily moisture and temperature) are suitable. So, it is certainly possible that forth-coming rain will result in substantial weed emergence in areas that have been dry up to now.
Where pre-emergence herbicides were applied at planting and are providing substantial control still, it may be possible to delay post-emergence treatments to allow time for any late weed emergence. However, this delay can result in the need to switch to a product that is safer on corn that is more advanced in growth stage. Where pre-emergence herbicides were not applied, or where more than a few weeds are escaping pre-emergence herbicides, the post-emergence treatment should be applied when weeds are small to maximize effectiveness and reduce weed-crop competition. Keep in mind also that weeds emerging after the corn reaches a height of about 20 inches have little potential to reduce yield anyway, even if they are present at crop harvest. Our general recommendation is to apply post-emergence herbicides by the time corn reaches this height, and let the crop do the work of suppressing later-emerging weeds. One exception to this is bur cucumber, which can require application of herbicides when the corn is upwards of 30 inches tall.

4. Giant ragweed in corn survived the first post-emergence application of Roundup – what should I spray now? The answer to this depends upon how they survived treatment with Roundup. If most were controlled and the survivors were still substantially affected, then it may be possible to apply Roundup again and obtain adequate control. The addition of another product with activity on giant ragweed could certainly improve control, however, especially where plants are large. The question here is whether the survival is indicative of a low level of resistance, and an alternative herbicide should be used if there are doubts that a second Roundup application will work.
Where many plants survived the first Roundup application and showed little response, which is indicative of resistance, it will be necessary to apply a post-emergence alternative that is effective on giant ragweed. Possibilities here include Status, Hornet, Impact, Callisto, Laudis, and NorthStar, among others. Impact, Callisto, and Laudis are most effective on giant ragweed when mixed with atrazine. Labeled rates and recommended adjuvants should be used to maximize the effectiveness of alternatives to Roundup. It is possible to add some Roundup to improve control of other weeds. However, be sure to add crop oil concentrate or MSO if recommended on the label of the alternative herbicide.

5. Is it safe to eat the produce from vegetable gardens affected by drift of corn and soybean herbicides? The answer to this is “no”, except where the herbicide is labeled for the garden plant of concern (such as Callisto on sweet corn). Since most corn and soybean herbicides are not labeled for use on vegetables, there is no established tolerance for the allowable herbicide residue in the produce, and therefore no guidelines for “safe” use have been established.

When Should Weeds be Treated with Post-emergence Herbicides? – Reprinted from Issue 9 Pest and Crops; Purdue Cooperative Extension Service
Timing of post-emergence herbicides for maximum efficacy is critical. While all fields cannot be sprayed at the ideal weed height according to the label due to rain, high winds, or not being able to get to a field on a timely basis, it is still critical to treat weeds as close to ideal times as possible. When the critical time period is missed, knowing how weeds respond to herbicides will allow you to predict the performance of that application. This can help in determining what additional management practices may be needed to achieve acceptable weed control.

Starting with a weed-free field at planting time; from a good burn down, early pre plant herbicide, or tillage; provides the best chance of giving the crop a head start on weeds. When weeds emerge before or at the same time as the crop, maximum competition between the weeds and the crop comes in the second to forth week after crop emergence. This time span will depend on the soil moisture and temperature available to the plants. Weed Scientists use a phrase “Critical Period for Weed Control” to describe the time when weeds should be controlled to keep them from competing with crops. When a pre plant or pre emergence herbicide provides weed control at planting, the critical period is the time needed for the herbicides to provide control while the crops gets established, so that later emerging weeds will have minimum effects on crop yield. This period of control is usually the first four to six weeks in the life of the crop. Annual weeds that emerge after the critical period for weed control will not only have a minimum yield impact, but will also produce fewer seeds to replenish the soil seed bank. They can however, interfere with harvest efficacy, which may contribute to some yield loss or reduced grain quality.

The longer the herbicide application is delayed beyond the critical period for weed control, not only does competition increase, but also weeds are taller and more mature, making them harder to control. With delayed applications, environmental conditions become less favorable for herbicides to be absorbed and move to sites of action in the weeds to completely kill them. Older, taller weeds get less herbicide coverage and thicker leaf cuticles with dust on them decrease the absorption of herbicide solutions.

For annual weeds, best results are seen when the applications are made to small plants growing under good environmental conditions and receiving complete spray coverage. Think of the control obtained when spraying a two to six inch tall giant ragweed compared to a two to three foot tall giant ragweed. For perennial weeds, which are usually found in a field at lower populations in patches, the best results occur with translocated herbicides when the plants are taller and transitioning from the vegetative stage to the reproductive growth stage. This is usually just prior to or during bloom stage of the plant. Treating small rapidly growing perennial plants usually only provides temporary top kill and regrowth occurs. Taller more mature plants provide a greater opportunity for the herbicide to translocate throughout the plant, increasing the chances of obtaining complete control.

Most post emergence herbicide applications are timed for annual grasses and broadleaf weeds that comprise the majority of the weed population in a field. Additional applications are needed for the perennial weeds that are present. The following figures show the response of annual and perennial weeds to herbicides over the course of their lifecycle. These figures show how annual weeds are best controlled early in their lifecycle when they are small, while perennial weeds are more susceptible to translocated herbicides later in their lifecycle. The success of a translocated herbicide to control perennial weeds is dependent on timing the application to coincide the plant translocating food sources (sugars) to reproductive areas within the plant. The success of any herbicide to control annual weeds is timing the application to provide good coverage to the plants when they are small, prior to the time they begin to compete with the crop. In most cases, one application will be made to control both annual and perennial weeds present in that field with the timing of the application made for the annual weeds. This does not mean that perennial weeds will not be controlled; it only means that if the growth stage of the perennial weed is small, then the chances of regrowth is greater than if it were closer to the bloom stage.

Lambsquarter

Giant Ragweed

Crop Comments from AgWeb.com: One Extreme to Another

6/5 - Secor, Woodford County, Illinois: You know it is bad when farmers start bragging about how much rain they did not get. Peoria got 2-3 inches Tuesday/Wednesday along with one inch hail. Fifteen miles east, we only had 7 tenths! Funny to see farmers mowing roadway ditches with duals on to keep from getting stuck, while fields are still waiting to be planted due to wet areas. Almost all corn in now in while bean plantings are making progress. Now trying to get enough good days together and try to make first hay cutting. 

6/4 - Knox County, Illinois: All of corn and beans are in the ground as of last Sunday (May 31st). We have missed heavy rains this week. It is cool and moist but crops are emerging.

6/3 - Coles County, East Central Illinois: Finally got to my last field of corn and started to plant when up came another down pour with a large amounts of hail and another inch of rain 5-30-09. This was a nice lookingcorn field about 6 to 8 inches tall planted on April 26th.

Picture to Left is Hail in Coles County that day!

6/3 – Winnebago County, Iowa:  We are really starting to need a rain.  Usually don’t have to wish for rain around here in June.  In fact, a lot of years this is monsoon season, when we get those 5 and 6 inch downpours that flood and wash everything out.  We know what it’s like to be too wet like the fellows out east, but we still need moisture to grow the crop.

6/2 - Southern Shelby County, Illinois: Planted corn finally last May 23rd and 24th. Then the rains came again, total last week of over 4 inches some places around here. Corn rotted in the ground, so anything planted late last week has to be redone. Seed corn district manager was just here, says he has heard the same thing all over. Most around here were at 1/2 or more done with corn, most of that will have to be replanted. Very few beans in the ground, and I am sure they are in the same boat if planted late last week. 

6/2 - Sioux County, Iowa: We could sure trade you the dry windy weather for a rain. Some soybeans are lying dry. We only seem to get a 10th or 2 at a time. Not enough to ever really soak up the ground. Most crops are looking good and crop spraying is taking place when the wind isn’t blowing over 20 mph.

Have a good run on planting and be safe.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

5/28/09

DSM Comments:

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston, IL – Ogle Co.)  Since a week ago Tuesday, a lot of corn has gone in the ground...as of Monday evening about 85 percent of the corn has been planted and 65 percent of beans are in the ground...corn went into some of the worst seed beds I have ever seen but last night’s 1.2" of rain should cure that issue...60 percent of planted corn is up and looking very good...stands are strong...black cut worm has shown up in weedy fields...white grubs are also present...remaining corn acres will be switched to beans where possible...large wheat fields have been sprayed for scab control...will be 2-3 days before planting can continue.

CENTRAL/West Central IL: Matthew Meyer (Peoria, IL - Peoria Co.) My dealer in Greene County reported that in his area, Roodhouse, IL, there is 50% + of the corn crop planted. The corn planted in mid April is at the V4 stage and starting to lose its light green color. Estimated rainfall in the area on Sunday was close to 2 inches.  Farther north in Morgan County farmers are nearing 75% done on corn and have started fully on planting soybeans. In fact I have already seen a couple fields with 2 leaves on them and several other sprouting. Estimated rainfall in the area on Sunday was around an inch and a half.  The Peoria and Fulton county areas are farther behind. Wet weather has them well behind some southern areas. Estimated rainfall in the Peoria area was anywhere from 1 to 2 inches of rainfall.

SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Greg Repp (Westfield, IL - Clark Co.)  There was quite a bit done in my territory from Thursday till Sunday. Most of the growers that I talked to just got a good start. I am hearing some rumbling about switching to earlier maturities and maybe even beans. As a whole, on the east side of the state from I-70 and south, growers are about 25% done on corn. Most growers said they would go until the 10th of June.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville, IL – Morgan Co.)  Yes we HAD a flurry of activity last week 18th to 24th.  This week however (25th) has been rain and more rain.  River bottoms will probably cancel corn and go with soybeans if they can get soybeans planted.  I would say maybe 80% of the corn is planted.  Some are done and others yet to start.  Beans may be 15% planted.  It’s a serious situation more so than 2008.  Don’t mean to sound glum but its reality. 

NORTH CENTRAL IL:  Tony Strom (Victoria, IL – Knox Co.)  Corn Planting in Knox and Warren counties is almost complete with most everyone getting a good start on soybean planting. The rainfall over the weekend helped the corn emerge though the crust after the 4.5” rain the week before.  Stark and Peoria Counties are still on corn due to the wet weather. The insect and weed problems will intensify with a lot of growers planting into unsprayed fields. Another half to 1 rain will keep growers out for 2 more days.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Tucker Beckmier (Atwood, IL – Moultrie/Douglas Co.) Planting resumed this past Thursday and continued through Sunday at an accelerated pace.  Alost all of east central Illinois made great strides planting corn and most customers are between 50% and completed planting corn.  A few soybeans were also planted over the weekend.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Brownstown, IL – Fayette Co.)  With much of the area receiving 1.5 to 2 in of rain the past couple days, many growers are rained out.  There have been reports of some guys finishing up corn, but that definitely is not the majority.  A big percentage of growers have two to three days of corn planting left. The corn that was planted at the end of last week is beginning to spike.  When it comes to the topic of anhydrous, there are a large number of growers that are staying with their original plan of pre-plant application.  I have only seen two or three bean planters or no-till drills running.  Most growers are still finishing up corn.  The beans that have been planted are coming up really nice.   With some heat and wind, some growers will be trying to get back in the field Friday. Scattered thunderstorms are predicted Thursday.

EASTERN IL / IN:  Ray Howe (Casey, IL – Clark Co.)  There was lots of planting activity throughout the western edge of Indiana and eastern Illinois last week. Rain Sunday evening ended most of that, but rain farther north insignificant. Growers were planting Monday afternoon and still going yesterday. One plot was planted north of Covington, IN. last Saturday and will put one in Thursday S. of Covington. Terre Haute area got 1-2 inches of rain and Covington only got .1 inch.  Most growers feel that corn is their best chance for profits, and last year proved they can plant late and still have a great crop.  A few growers have decided to stop planting corn and switch to beans, but it is a low percentage.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jay Ryan (Pana, IL– Christian Co.)  There was a lot of activity from May 21st through the 24th.  A lot of folks were able to get started and probably on average get about 50% of their corn in.  Some growers were able to finish corn and get a start on beans.  It was definitely the calendar that dictated this planting window rather than field conditions as it was less than desirable.  When asked how it went in, the most common reply was either: "It went in" or "I didn't get stuck".  Over the last couple days (5/26 & 5/27) rain amounts of 1.5" to 5" have covered the entire area.  Just below the SW corner of my territory there was 8" to 9" rain totals over the past two days!  On a bright note, corn planted last weekend has emerged in 4 days.

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love, DSM & Agronomist (Petersburg –Menard Co.)  The rain has again put a halt to planting progress in Central IL.  Anywhere from .5 to 1.5 inches of rain fell last weekend.  Rotary hoes were running hard this past week trying to get corn through hard, sealed soil. Conditions were good enough last Saturday that permitted areas of Effingham and Cumberland county to get some field work done but unfortunately 1.5 inches fell in a short period of time on a plot planted Saturday morning.  The talk of changing from corn to soybeans has come up in the last few days down south.   A few beans are in the ground but replant is on the mind of a lot of farmers.

CENTRAL IL: Nicole Forsberg (Clinton, IL – Dewitt Co.)  Most of the week has been time spent with frustrated growers.  Several calls have been made concerning emergence issues due to crusted soil.  In DeWitt County, where many fields were planted two weeks ago, the rotary hoes were in full swing.   The showers that occurred this past weekend were a blessing to those folks.  However, in Woodford county most growers were just getting started on fields that were “iffy” on readiness.  The latest batch of rain did not help those fields. Mason/Tazewell County has the most accomplished.  It is a daily search for dry ground. 

 SOUTH EASTERN IL:  Neil Gray (Newton, IL – Jasper Co.) The corn planters were rolling, some for first time planting while others were replanting.  Limited amount of beans have been planted. I have aided in getting 3 plots in to date.   I know that some farmers are finished with planting corn.  No bug issues as of yet.

Released May 26, 2009, by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS)
 
Corn:  Percent Planted,      
          Selected States 1/         
--------------------------------------           
      :      Week Ending      :      
      :-----------------------: 2004-
 State:May 24,:May 17,:May 24,: 2008 
      : 2009  : 2009  : 2008  : Avg. 
--------------------------------------
      :            Percent            
      :                              
CO    :   79      63      91     90  
IL    :   62      20      85     96  
IN    :   55      24      76     89  
IA    :   97      90      91     97  
KS    :   93      73      93     96  
KY    :   75      45      82     93  
MI    :   77      41      93     86  
MN    :   96      90      91     95  
MO    :   81      54      70     91  
NE    :   98      93      94     97  
NC    :  100     100     100     99  
ND    :   61      23      91     89  
OH    :   76      39      62     88  
PA    :   72      48      68     80  
SD    :   82      63      81     89  
TN    :   88      79      96     99  
TX    :   97      94      97     97  
WI    :   82      62      77     84  
      :                               
18 Sts:   82      62      86     93  
--------------------------------------
1/  These 18 States planted 92% of   
    last year's corn acreage.   

WOW!  What a week for pushing hard and doing the job.  Thru May 24th Illinois jumped 42% for corn acreage planted in 1 week, the largest increase of the 18 major corn producing states.  Understandably, many growers are still struggling and there is still a lot to do.  Please contact the Stone Seed Group A-Team for any help or advice that we can give.  

Among the 18 major soybean producing states, Illinois lags way behind but will certainly show some big gains on next week’s report.

Soybeans:  Percent Planted,    
          Selected States 1/         
--------------------------------------
      :      Week Ending      :      
      :-----------------------: 2004-
 State:May 24,:May 17,:May 24,: 2008 
      : 2009  : 2009  : 2008  : Avg. 
--------------------------------------
      :            Percent           
      :                               
AR    :  37      26      39      62  
IL    :  12       1      36      69  
IN    :  25       6      36      64  
IA    :  80      41      67      78  
KS    :  43      15      43      47  
KY    :  13       3      21      43  
LA    :  79      72      80      76  
MI    :  43      15      76      61  
MN    :  75      52      65      70  
MS    :  80      73      83      93  
MO    :  28       9      22      51  
NE    :  88      62      57      70  
NC    :  41      23      33      36  
ND    :  27       3      81      67  
OH    :  44      17      30      67  
SD    :  47      19      39      48  
TN    :  22       7      36      51  
WI    :  54      22      50      57  
      :                              
18 Sts:  48      25      49      65  
--------------------------------------
1/  These 18 States planted 95% of   
    last year's soybean acreage. 

The A-Team has heard of some growers replanting immediately behind a Select Max application.  Please heed the 6 day waiting period. 

REPLANTING CORN? SELECT MAX WILL CONTROL THE ESTABILISHED STAND! 

Use Select Max to take out the established corn stand!

Mother Nature has hit parts of the country hard with cool wet weather and farmers are needing options when replanting corn.  Growers must first control   that established stand of corn before replanting.  Select Max®  Herbicide with Inside Technology™  is the best solution for controlling volunteer corn in a replant situation because of its fast control and ability to replant corn 6 days after application. 

Select Max at 6 oz/A gets rid of Roundup Ready® corn up to 12" tall and a new crop can be replanted within 6 days. 
6 oz, 6 days, 12" corn 

Select Max provides:

Fast Control 

Flexibility

Total Performance

Twin Row Corn – Geneseo, IL  5/26/09

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

5/20/09

Sun, and lots of it, mixed with a warm breeze would do wonders at getting many of us back in the fields.  It appears that we may get some cooperation from Mother Nature this week.  A huge amount of acres can be planted in a short period of time.  That’s evident by the recent crop condition report.  In Illinois, only 1.7 days were suitable for field work last week, yet the planted corn acreage increased by 10% over the previous week.  Same was true for Missouri.  Corn planting increased 15% with 1.9 days of suitable field work. Iowa is the bright spot with 90% completed corn planting and well ahead of last year’s pace.  So, it can be done and it’s not too late to get the corn crop planted. 

DSM Comments:

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Tucker Beckmier (Atwood – Moultrie/Douglas Co.)  Total rainfall in east central Illinois between May 13 and 15 was 3 to 5 Inches.  Golf ball size hail was reported in Monticello with massive damage to vehicles and homes.  Most of the area was able to plant last Monday and Tuesday before the rain.  It looks like we will be able to resume planting in the next couple days.  I expect some will run around the clock this time around and try to complete corn planting before Memorial Day.  Get as much sleep as possible and be careful.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jay Ryan (Pana – Christian Co.)  I would say as a whole my area is about 15% complete on corn planting and 0% on soybeans.  There are a couple of pockets that are nearing completion, some that were able to put some corn in before the rains last week, and the majority that are still looking for their first opportunity to plant corn.  On average we probably totaled around 4" of rainfall last week with as little as 1" up to 6.5" in some regions.  It will probably take this favorable forecast for some folks to finally get fired up by the end of the week.  On the other hand it may not be the most favorable forecast to help lastweek’s planting emerge through the developing crust from the heavy rains.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jacob Winans (Taylorville – Christian Co.)  It should be an exciting week in Illinois the end of the week and into the weekend. Growers around Christian county may be rolling Thursday afternoon through the weekend. We had around 3-5” last Thursday & Friday like a lot of you did.  The below pictures were taken by Russ Winans on his farm after Thursday’s rain but before Friday’s down pour of 2”. As you can see the high area’s that got planted are doing well (considering), but the low area’s well…we shall see. Stay safe and try not to get in too much hurry out there.

EASTERN IL:  Scott Good (Milford – Iroquois Co.)  We are wet just like everyone else.  In the many conversations that I have had with growers in Iroquois, Vermillion, Ford and Kankakee Counties, the two big rains that we had on Wednesday and Friday brought planting to a halt.  Planters were rolling hard into the early hours of Wednesday morning (5-13-09) until rained out around 4:30 – 5:00 am.  With 3- 5” of rain we are looking at possibly planting resuming Thursday (5-21) at the earliest.  My only advice to everyone is to please be patient and if you think that the ground is about ready wait 1 more day.  We have waited this long and one more day will not hurt anything to assure optimum yield.  Planting in Eastern IL seems to be around 50% completed give or take 2 or 3 points.

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville – Morgan Co.)  The forecast for clear and warmer weather this week will benefit corn that has emerged, trying to emerge or newly planted.  Field work commenced again in some areas Monday following last Fridays rains.  Weather is supposed to hold into this coming weekend.  Growers continue to monitor fields for population and evenness of existing stands along with all important weed control.  This week could bump our corn planted acres into the 80th percentile.  Soybean planting has also commenced. 

Friendly Advice from the A-Team:  Some growers may be tempted to reduce planting depth because of soil moisture and faster corn emergence.  Corn should not be planted less than 1.5 inch depth and ideally be planted at 1.75- to 2.0 inch depth because when corn seed are planted too shallow, the "nodal" roots develop above the soil line and fail to aid corn plants in absorption of water and nutrients. Nodal roots that develop above the soil surface also fail to brace the plant to prevent lodging.

Again DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE ROTARY HOE; BUT TIMING IS CRITICAL:  There is a good article relating to soil crusting after heavy rain events by two Iowa State authors.  Follow the link to access it. (click here)

Have You Lost Your Nitrogen This Spring?
Source: University of Illinois

Wet soil conditions this spring are a reason for concern that some of the nitrogen (N) applied last fall for the 2009 corn crop might be lost. When soils become saturated, the potential for N loss is directly related to the amount of N present in the nitrate (NO3-) form. When soil temperatures start to increase and water-saturated conditions exist, nitrate is most likely to be lost through denitrification in fine-textured soils. In coarse-textured soils, leaching below the root zone is the biggest concern. Most of the fall-applied N is either ammonium (NH4+) or a form that transforms rapidly into ammonium. Nitrification, or the conversion of ammonium to nitrate, is a bacteria-mediated transformation. The bacterium Nitrosomonas converts NH4+ into nitrite (NO2-), while the bacterium Nitrobacter converts NO2- to NO3-. The activity of these bacteria is minimal at temperatures below 50°F. The bacteria also need aerobic (unsaturated soil water) conditions to nitrify ammonium. Thus, the amount of nitrification that occurs in the soil depends largely on soil temperature and the time elapsed from application until the soil becomes saturated with water. Further, the nitrification process can be reduced with the use of inhibitors that will lower the activity of these bacteria and allow N to stay in the ammonium form for a longer period. Since the time elapsed between application and crop uptake is short for spring applications, the use of inhibitors is most useful in fall.

What is important to remember is that only the portion of the applied N that is in nitrate form is subject to denitrification or leaching. The fact that N is in the nitrate form does not mean that N is lost; it means rather that is susceptible to loss. Table 2 shows the percentage of ammonium that was transformed to nitrate by the end of May in three Illinois locations depending on whether and when a nitrification inhibitor was used. Once you determine how much of your N is in the nitrate form, you can estimate how much N is potentially lost through denitrification by taking into account soil temperature and the number of days the soil has been saturated. Research has shown that for each day the soil is saturated with water, 4% to 5% of the N in the nitrate form is lost via denitrification when temperatures are above 65 to 70°F. When temperatures are between 55 and 65°F the loss is 2% to 3%, and when temperatures are below 55°F losses are estimated to be 1% to 2%. For soil temperatures at the 4-inch depth. (click here). Again, these losses are not for the total N applied, but rather for the portion that is in the nitrate form. Losses will vary depending on various factors, but these values offer an estimate.

The following calculation is a hypothetical situation given as an example using the data in Table 2:

Let's assume that 180 pounds N per acre were applied in early November with a nitrification inhibitor in a silty clay loam soil in city of DeKalb IL, and soils were saturated for the last 5 days in April.

First, calculate N present as nitrate: N applied x % in nitrate form
180 lb N/acre x 0.55 = 99 lb N/acre

Second, calculate N denitrified: N in nitrate form x % denitrified
99 x .20 (5 days x 4%/day) = 20 lb N/acre lost

At this point it might be too early to decide if additional N is really necessary. However, if you determined that you lost nitrogen you will need to decide whether it will be economically advantageous to apply more. If the yield potential is reduced because of late planting or poor stands, there might not be need to apply additional N. If in the calculation you find that you will be around 40 to 80 pounds of N per acre below what you need for the crop, it would be appropriate to apply an additional 50 to 60 pounds per acre; if you are more than 100 pounds per acre below what is needed, an additional 90 pounds per acre can be applied. If the field is already planted, the best way to apply the additional N would be - in order of preference - injected anhydrous ammonia or UAN solutions, broadcast ammoniated products (ammonium nitrate or ammonium sulfate), broadcast urea, UAN solution dribbled between rows, and broadcast UAN solution. If you have not planted your field yet, plant now and apply the additional N later so planting is not delayed further.

Another way to determine if additional N will be needed is to establish a couple strips with supplemental N across the field at a rate between 60 and 80 pounds acre and to compare the crop colors as the season progresses. If you find that those strips are substantially greener than the rest of the field, you can apply 60 pounds of N per acre to the rest of the field, as long as you do it before tasseling. Potential drawbacks to this approach are that color differences could develop too late for a timely application or there might not be sufficient rain to move the late-applied N into the root zone.

Another way to determine the need for additional N is to use the pre-sidedress nitrate test (PSNT). However, the test reliability is heavily influenced by the field and by the way samples are collected. Typically the test works best in fields with high potential for N mineralization, such as fields that have been manured in the last 2 to 3 years. A sample to 12 inches deep is collected when corn plants are 6 to 12 inches tall (V4 to V6 development stage), or in late May to early June when planting is delayed. If the field had a history of broadcast applications, randomly collect 20 to 25 samples from an area no greater than 10 acres. If band applications of fertilizer or manure were used to fertilize the previous crops, collect at least 10 sets of three cores each from two corn rows.

Collect the first core 3 inches to the right of the right-hand row, the second core between the two rows, and the third core 3 inches to the left of the left-hand row. In all cases, place all the cores in a bucket and obtain a subsample after the cores have been thoroughly mixed. If mixing the entire sample to produce a representative subsample is too difficult, it is better to use a large sample bag and keep the entire sample. Collecting a sample less than the full 12 inches or not collecting all the cores will produce unreliable results. If the samples cannot be delivered to the laboratory the same day, either freeze or air-dry the soil. If you air-dry samples, dry them as fast as possible by spreading them out on a paper, crushing the cores, and blowing air with a fan. Since drying can be difficult without proper facilities, freezing samples is likely the best option for most people. Make sure to tell the laboratory that you want to measure NO3- nitrogen. If the entire sample is sent, request that the whole sample be dried and ground before a subsample is taken. If the test results come back above 25 parts per million, no additional nitrogen will be necessary for the 2009 crop.

Fertility Considerations/Strategies for Late Planted Corn
Source: University of Kentucky

At this late stage in the season, priorities should be on planting the corn crop first, then applying needed fertilizers after planting. Fertilization after the crop is planted is not yield-reducing and, in some cases, can actually cause nitrogen (N) fertilizer use to be more efficient.

Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K)
There may be a few situations where P and K were not applied prior to corn planting. If the soil test P and K levels for a field were in the medium to high range, any fertility added this year would generally maintain these soil test levels and would have little, if any, effect on yield. This would probably be the situation in a majority of Kentucky corn fields. Therefore, adding P and K fertilizers after planting would not be a problem and, if the field's P and K soil test levels are in the upper part of the medium range or higher, the P and K could be delayed until this fall. If a field tests in the low soil test range, the P and K should be added this season, but can be delayed until after planting.

P and K fertilizers are soluble in water, so they dissolve with rain and move into the soil fairly quickly. They will only move into the top 2 to 3 inches, but this will be enough to make them available to the plant, in most situations. If the field was no-tilled or has a lot of residue on the surface, many corn roots will be close to the surface and will take up added P and K. A clean tilled field might result in reduced uptake. This would more than likely only be a problem if P and/or K were in the low soil test range and there was an extended period of dry weather that resulted in the top few inches of soil becoming very dry.

Nitrogen (N) Management Strategies for Late Planted Corn
After the optimum planting date has passed, the yield loss from further delayed planting far exceeds the yield loss associated with post-planting N applications. Your goal should be to get corn planted as soon as soil conditions permit.

Adverse weather has kept many corn planters in the shed in the Stone Seed group market area, and there are concerns about the development of the new corn crop as it tries to climb out of wet and sometimes cool soils. But there are a variety of other challenges, some preventable, facing corn seedlings, and if they fail, it will show up when you cross the elevator scales at harvest.

Germination begins with the seed absorbing water equal to 30% of its weight and that triggers enzymes causing cells to divide and grow. Having sufficient moisture is the key to the success, but if the seed is faced with alternating wet and dry periods, its energy required to germinate may be spent before the mission is accomplished. The first spike is the radicle root coming from the tip of the kernel within 2-3 days in warm, moist soil. Cooler and drier soils may delay that by a week or two. The second spike is the coleoptile, which comes from the embryo side of the kernel soon after. At optimum conditions those will happen on the same day, days or weeks may pass between the emergence of the two from the kernel because of adversity.  When excessively cold and/or wet soils delay germination and/or emergence, the kernel and young seedling are subjected to lengthier exposure to damaging factors such as soil-borne seed diseases, insect feeding and injury from pre-plant or pre-emergent herbicides and carryover herbicides from a previous crop.
Emergence of the corn plant depends on the coleoptile reaching the surface of the soil, then its internal leaves breaking out of the protective tissue. Emergence requires 100 to 120 Growing Degree Days, which may require 5 to 7 calendar days under optimum conditions. But if the soil is cold, it may take several weeks for emergence. Since exposure to light filtering through the surface of the soil is key to successful emergence and leaf development, there are some controllable issues:
1) Cloddy seedbeds, dry seedbeds, and open slots in no-till planting can expose the seed to light at levels lower than desirable, causing the coleoptile to leaf out underground.
2) Herbicide injury provides a stressful environment, and that is indicated by a corkscrew coleoptile, or leaves emerging where they should not.
3) A crusty surface, planter furrow compaction, and dense soil can physically restrict the coleoptile penetration of the surface. That causes it to rupture, form a corkscrew shape, or push the leaves out the side.
4) If the coleoptile is subjected to soil temperatures under 50F or wide swings in temperatures, the coleoptile can also form a corkscrew shape or rupture to push leaves out of its side.
Root development includes both the fibrous roots for moisture uptake and the nodal roots for strength and nutrients. Nodal roots can become stunted from soils that is too dry, too wet, or too cold, as well as from insect or herbicide damage, or from soil compaction from either the planter or tillage issues. The seminal roots that first appear can be damaged by cold temperatures, or salt injury from starter fertilizer that is too close to the kernel. Stress to the first few nodal roots can severely stunt the development of the corn plant, and if kernel reserves are nearing depletion, seedling death is not uncommon. Those stresses include salt injury from fertilizer, seedling diseases, herbicide injury, insect damage, compaction from the planter or tillage, and soils that are either too wet or too dry.

Summary:
Although seed corn is generally vigorous and wants to germinate, emerge from the soil, and create a new corn plant, there are numerous hazards that potentially challenge that process. Environmental challenges include soils that are too cold, too dry, or too wet. Physical challenges that include crusty soil, cloddy soil that allows too much light to reach the seedling too early, or soil that is compacted from either planter or tillage issues. Chemical challenges include herbicide carryover from a prior crop and salts from starter fertilizer too close to the seed. Many of the challenges can be eliminated or controlled to provide a better environment for the seedling.

In some areas producers haven’t been able to get started due to wet field conditions.   Yet, some growers in other areas are considering whether replanting corn is warranted and, if it is, what cropping options would be best for the delayed planting date.  For various reasons -- weather, soil, crusting, insects, or diseases – poor crop stands sometimes occur, requiring a replant decision. The issue is whether a late-planted crop at a non-guaranteed population level will produce a higher net income than an early-planted less than desired stand.

Before making any decisions on replanting, consult your crop insurance agent first.   Discuss your insurance coverage and the options you have under the policy you have purchased.   If you do replant, also discuss whether you want or need to insure the second crop.

After insurance, these factors should be considered:

1. Herbicides already applied to the field and replanting restrictions;

2. Availability of the seed and traits you want; and

3. Approximately when you can expect to be able to reenter the field and the remaining light and heat units in the season

Don’t rush into replanting without careful assessment of all the factors involved, patience normally favors leaving the existing stands in most situations.  See Table

Stone Seed Group Replant Policy
If, for any reason, the stand of corn is generally impaired and it is desirable to destroy said stand and replant in a field originally planted to Stone corn, the Stone seed group will furnish seed corn, at 50% of the seed’s retail price provided the field is replanted to corn during the same season.  Growers are encouraged to participate in Monsanto’s Roundup Rewards program (where applicable) which can significantly reduce the price of their replant seed.  To qualify for our replant policy, the grower must notify his Stone seed Group dealer or representative from whom he purchased his seed in time to permit inspection of the field before the original stand is destroyed.  Documentation of the replant and any required claim forms must be received at one of our offices within 14 days of replanting.

Roundup Rewards®

Roundup Rewards® is the comprehensive program you can rely on to protect your trait and herbicide investment.  To date, over 300,000 farmers have benefited from the protection Roundup Rewards provides.  To be sure you qualify contact your Stone Seed Group representative or, find more information at www.rounduprewards.com.

Black Cutworm

Black cutworm has been found in many areas and may be discovered in others soon.  Factors that favor black cutworm outbreaks are late tillage and planting, reduced tillage, infestations or weeds prior to planting, low spots in a field, fields next to permanent vegetation, and excess crop residue (such as in no-till fields). Outbreaks also are more likely to occur in corn planted after soybeans than corn after corn. The most important of these factors may be late planting and pre-plant weed infestations.  When scouting for black cutworms, plan to scout all fields at least once a week for a 3- to 4- week period following corn emergence. Pay particular attention to fields that were planted late or had an early season weed infestation.  A post emergence rescue treatment may be necessary when 3% or more of the plants are cut and larvae are still present.

1st to 3rd Instar Feeding

4th or Later Instar Feeding

Declare, a New Insecticide

Cheminova Inc. recently received a federal registration for Declare, a new pyrethroid insecticide labeled on numerous crops, including alfalfa, corn, soybean, and wheat, for a broad range of insects. Declare is gamma-cyhalothrin, the same active ingredient found in Proaxis and Prolex. The preharvest intervals for Declare are 7 days on alfalfa hay, 21 days on field corn, 30 days on wheat, and 45 days on soybean. Please remember to read the label for all insecticides for appropriate application information including preharvest interavals for all crops. We would remind growers with wheat harvest being about a month and a half away and the potential concern from either armyworm or cereal leaf beetle, that many insecticides have a long preharvest interval on wheat of 30 days. Again, READ AND FOLLOW all insecticide label directions.

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

Be safe and have a great week. 
Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

5/14/09

The picture (Photo by Pam Smith, Farm Journal Seeds and Production Editor) shows conditions throughout a large portion of the Stone Seed Group market area.     Below are comments sent to AgWeb.com by growers from North Dakota to Maryland. You are not alone.  Much of the traditional Corn Belt is in the same boat (no pun intended) as you are.

5/8 - Livingston County, Illinois: Have yet to enter a field this spring.  Had water standing Thursday morning, 5-7-09, after one & half inches of rain Wednesday night.  Won't be in the field for at least 5-7 days.  May scrub corn for beans.  The price alone will help make that decision.  If we have a late fall on top of a late spring, the drying bill will be high.  No neighbors in the field either.

5/11 - Huntington County, Indiana: So far, we have planted nothing this spring.  For the last few days we have felt like we are a day away from planting but a shower comes through late in the day and the ground lies wet and cold overnight.  Hopefully, we can start later today but they are calling for showers again on Wednesday.  It has been a very frustrating spring so far.   A few neighbors have planted a little corn but probably less than 5% is planted.

5/11 - Gibson County, Indiana: Wet, wet. We had a small window where a few acres of corn were planted. No beans. Pasture and grass hay don't grow, too cold. On May 8, we missed a 106 mph straight line wind bullet.

5/11 - North Central North Dakota: Ground completely covered in SNOW this A.M. I drove the ATV 34 miles across fields on 7000 acres couldn’t find 20 acres in one spot to work on; we have a real mess on our hands. Need a week of warm windy weather and that’s not in the forecast. Be safe out there!!

5/11 - St. Mary’s County, Maryland: Had 6.5 inches of rain last four days with marble size hail, will have to replant corn planted on April 14, called insurance for replant.

5/14 - Mercer County, Illinois: I traveled interstate 74 from the Quad Cities Illinois to Crawfordsville, Indiana last Saturday. Maybe if lucky there were about 20% of the fields planted. Many fields had water standing ... and that was before yesterday's rains. Weeds in Indiana were almost knee high. Monday and Tuesday of this week the planters were rolling and probably helped some but still a long way from done in this area!!

5/14 - Livingston/LaSalle Counties, Illinois: Put on some NH3 on Tuesday.  First time in the field this year.  Saw one other tractor going down the road. NH3 sealed well in most places, still a few wet spots.  Spotty corn planting.  Wheat is growing, most fields with weak spots where water sat this spring.  Wheat fields never have been good, went in wet, severe cold winter, and very wet spring. Alfalfa is growing, getting to bud stage, but fields are too wet to get across. Couldn't have planted oats or alfalfa this spring if I had wanted to. With milk price in the dumper, dairies don't want to pay big money for high quality hay, so will probably focus more on tonnage.  Been a frustrating year so far.  Haven't checked the gauge this morning yet, would estimate 2.5" since early Wednesday.  Been severely wet since Ike dropped 12" last September.  Fearful of weather shift from extreme to extreme.  Be safe!

Released May 11, 2009, by NASS

Corn: Percent Planted,
Selected States 1/  

      :      Week Ending      :       

      :-----------------------: 2004- 

 State:May 10,:May 3, :May 10,: 2008  

      : 2009  : 2009  : 2008  : Avg.  

--------------------------------------
Percent 

CO    :   8       6      11      10   

IL    :   3       0      10      49   

IN    :   2       0      17      29   

IA    :  24       2       2      23   

KS    :  19       5      20      37   

KY    :  27      12      37      61   

MI    :   0       0      10      11   

MN    :  11       1       0      13   

MO    :  21       6      14      57   

NE    :  19       3       4      19   

NC    :  75      53      63      79   

ND    :   0       0       1       6   

OH    :   9       1      12      21   

PA    :  13       4      11      14   

SD    :   2       1       1       6   

TN    :  55      27      47      75   

TX    :  69      68      67      70   

WI    :   3       0       0       6   

18 Sts:  14       5      10      28   

These 18 States planted 92% of last year's corn acreage 

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Dave Dimmick (Murrayville – Morgan Co.) Replant was on most growers minds this week.  Spotting in wet areas was more the norm however there were some existing stands destroyed and replanted. Weeds in some fields now exceed 4 feet.  Insect pressure is light but grubs, wireworms and cutworm are present.  Armyworm may become a problem considering the wooly weed conditions.  Cool wet conditions still persist with lows in 40’s and highs in 70’s.  Rains varied from 6 tenths to 2.5 inches.  I would estimate 35% corn planted with a few acres of beans being planted.

 

CENTRAL IL: Dave Love, DSM & Agronomist (Petersburg –Menard Co.)  The corn crop in Arkansas is likely to be cut by 40-60% and planted to beans.  NE Texas, NW Mississippi, and northern Louisiana corn was planted in a timely fashion, and looked good until the rains began.  Apparently a lot of replanting will be taking place and it’s up in the air whether it will be corn or beans. The struggles of ‘09 are not limited to Illinois alone but throughout the agricultural areas in general.  Southern Illinois is very wet and it is raining in central Illinois today (5/13).  If yellow rocket ever becomes a cash crop, the boys down south will corner the market.

 

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson, DSM (Creston - Ogle Co.)  Seems as though all growers have joined a unique Union...one day on and three days off...a lot of corn went in the ground on Monday and Tuesday...then northern Illinois got slammed again with .5" to 2"...some considering changing to all beans or to 105 day corn...this is not the right thing to consider yet...the 25th of this month should be the date to look at...the money is in the corn considering a 42 bu. average on soybeans...some have finished planting corn...some have run out of dry ground and are planting beans...corn stalks do not even have a chance to dry out...as one grower told me "patience and a beer go a long way to soothe the soul"...corn that is up is finally turning green.

Effects of Planting Date on Corn Yield. In 2008, a field trial was established to compare planting dates at Rochelle, IL  (Ogle County). The “normal” planting date of April 27th averaged 187 bu/acre while the “late” planting on June 2nd yielded 149 bu/acre. In general, the highest yielding hybrids in the normal-planted trials were also the higher yielding hybrids in the late-planted trial. Despite the five (5) week difference in planting date, the late-planted trial flowered just 1 week later than the normal-planted trial. These results illustrate a corn plant’s ability to develop with fewer GDUs available; however, depending on planting date, yield may be compromised. Economically, the 3 hybrids that had the smallest reduction in gross income due to late planting were also full season (109 to 113 RM). This result indicates that staying the course with a full season hybrid, despite late planting, can pay off. Since the accumulation of GDUs early in the growing season is low and corn requires fewer GDUs to reach maturity when planted after May 1st, it is not recommended to switch relative maturities at this time.   The SSG A-team will keep growers posted on when switching maturities should be considered.

Protect the Crop with Advanced Traits Regardless of Planting Date. When farmersare forced to delay planting,knowing the value corn traits can provide is important.  A trial was established in 2008, near Monmouth, IL, to evaluate the effects of Roundup Ready® Corn2,YieldGard® Corn Borer with Roundup Ready® Corn 2 and YieldGard VT Triple® technology on corn yield potential when planted in mid –May.  The results from this trial indicated that the product containing YieldGard VT Triple® had the highest yield (Figure 3).

Twin Row X Population Corn Trial. The Stone Seed Group A-Team in cooperation with Great Plains Mfg. is  planting 3 hybrids  in 30” single row and 30” twin-row systems at 5 populations from 28,000 to 43 ,000 seeds per acre to determine if (a) Can plant populations be higher in 30 inch twin rows versus 30” single rows?, and (b) Will 30 inch twin-rows have higher yields compared to 30 inch single rows?
Research suggests that traited corn hybrids have a greater ability to handle stress and can be planted at higher populations.  And, higher populations can translate to higher yields.  Growers can optimize populations and thus yields by planting higher populations with traited corn than they planted when growing conventional corn.  If a grower is currently on 30” row spacing and has optimized populations and yields, the next step may be spreading plants in a twin-row planting system.

Soybean Inoculation. Most recommendations in the Midwest have been to inoculate the seed if nodulated soybean has not been grown in a field in the past 3-5 years and if soil pH has not been maintained above 6.0. The rule of thumb is that fields never planted to soybean or fields with sandy soils (low organic matter soils) need to be inoculated every year. This year, we also need to consider the fields that were flooded last summer.  Some of these fields were flooded for an extended period of time, and plants were injured or died. These fields may need to be inoculated because the anaerobic conditions may have reduced the level of Bradyrhizobium bacteria in the soil.

Prevented Planting Considered. Some growers have stated that if the wet weather continues they will just collect the settlement.  We are not insurance professionals and it would be very wise for you to consult with your agent to determine all the steps involved to qualify for the prevented planting determination.

Be safe out there …

Take an occasional break …

Relax and think …

Your family needs you!

The following info is attached:
 
1. Most recent U of I Bulletin. (click here)

2. Most recent U of Mo Bulletin. (click here)

3. Link to the Purdue Newsletter. (click here)

Phil Jordan, Agronomic Lead – Stone Seed Group

5/8/09

It‘s anybody’s guess when growers will get back to the field in many areas of the Stone Seed Group market area.  All of us involved in agriculture and especially farming are driven….driven to produce the abundance that only we can realize in these great United States.  Mother Nature hasn’t cooperated very well but the one over riding characteristic that most farmers have is optimism that the crop will get planted.  Maybe not when we expected, but it will get done.  The SSG Agronomy Team is here to give you advice and help you in any way possible, even if it’s just to talk.

Planting progress for the week ending May 4th was minimal for Illinois and inched upward 1% to 5% completed and nearly 20 points behind normal.  Average rainfall across the state was 2.94 inches and only ½ day suitable for fieldwork.  Missouri corn planting increased to 31%, nearly 20 points ahead of last year.  Rainfall averaged 2.96” across the state through May 3rd and slowed progress substantially.  Iowa is the corn planting leader at 60%.  Substantial rainfall fell in the middle of the state (Marshalltown, Toledo, Perry).  Cool temps have slowed germination.  Erosion of topsoil is probably the worst it has been in many years and continued work is needed to repair the damage.

DSM Comments:

NORTHERN IL:  Kevin Sanderson (Creston – Ogle Co.) Planters have been going hot and heavy since early morning Tuesday and many are right behind the NH3 applicators where applicator bands aren’t sealed well.  A few planters should NOT be running given the field conditions.  It’s still too wet east of I-39.  A strong wind and some sunshine would make a world of difference.  Southern DeKalb County was hit Wednesday afternoon with heavy rains and 1” hail. 

NORTH CENTRAL IL:  Tony Strom (Victoria – Knox Co.)  Finally was dry enough on Monday for some planters to roll in Knox and Warren County(s).  Growers are planting around the “wet holes” to get ahead of this week’s forecast for more rain.  Planted corn plots near Victoria and Galva Wednesday and Thursday.  Scattered showers Thursday afternoon stopped field work near Geneseo (.5”), but growers near Osco in SW Henry County weren’t affected.  Rainfall in Marshall and Putnam County was significant Wednesday afternoon and evening with continued rain Thursday. No soybeans have been planted.

CENTRAL IL:  Andrew Musselman (Hopedale – Tazewell Co.)  Some test plots have been planted but total corn in the area is less than 1% planted overall.  Light rains Wednesday evening set things back another day, however if there is no rain Thursday or Friday the equipment will be moving over the weekend.

EASTERN IL: Scott Good (Milford – Iroquois Co.)  Rainfalls have been hit and miss in Eastern Illinois.  Some corn is spiking through the soil surface and some growers haven’t got started.  Rain is needed across the border (the other I state to the east) to get the crop through the surface.  Picture shows 8T468 planted April 24th.

8T468 planted 4/24/09 E. IL

8T468 planted 4/24/09 E. IL

WEST CENTRAL IL:  Paul Jockisch (Havana – Mason Co.)  It’s still too wet east and west of Havana to get in the fields.  Growers say if they miss the rain this week, they should be in over the weekend.  On the Mason County sand, planting has been in full swing for 3 weeks and the earlier planted fields are 2” tall.  Paul was able to get two corn plots planted on April 27th and May 6th.

Scott Garlisch - Mason Co, IL

Putting in seed plot.

EAST CENTRAL IL:  Tucker Beckmier (Atwood – Moultrie/Douglas Co.)  No field work has been done since April 25th and 26th.  A couple of warm, breezy days would get planting resumed.  Everyone is anxious to get going again.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jay Ryan (Pana – Christian Co.)  Soil conditions are still too wet to plant.  There are spots that could start up by late weekend but most areas will be early to mid week until conditions improve enough to resume field operations.  What little that was planted 10-12 days ago is struggling to make it in the low lying areas.  The higher ground has emerged decently, but the plants are showing stress symptoms from the cool and wet conditions in the form of white tips on the first leaf.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Jacob Winans (Taylorville – Christian Co.)  The grey areas on the high spots of fields are getting larger each day.  The area will need to miss the rain this week to see field work by the beginning of next week.  Corn has emerged where the ponds didn’t pack the seed in.  Herbicides are being applied to the earlier planted fields.  Generally, 10-15% of the corn is in the ground around the area.

SOUTH CENTRAL IL:  Aaron Miller (Browntown – Fayette Co.)  With the hope of missing rain last night (5/7), most of the area received at least a ½ inch.  The projected time to get back in the fields is up in the air since more rain may come today and tonight.  Corn planted two weeks ago is emerging erratically with low lying spots just sprouting.  The Brownstown area will need warm days without precipitation.  Frustration level among growers is getting higher with the waiting game.  When the window of opportunity opens all corn could get planted in a week to 10 days.

HEAVY RAIN AND CROP GROWTH:  Heavy rains and ponding water have led to concerns with the growth of the corn crop. Some observations concerning corn growth and flooding/ponding water include:

1. There are no definitive answers about how long growing corn can survive standing water. However, four to five days is often times used as a rule of thumb for young corn with the growing point still below the soil surface. For larger corn, there is little definitive information available. Cold water tends to increase survivability of young plants while warmer temperatures generally decrease survival time.

2. Saturation of soil pore spaces eliminates oxygen from the soil profile. This saturation and lack of oxygen causes anaerobic growing conditions which are very damaging to plant roots, causing them to eventually die from oxygen starvation. When plant roots die, nutrient and water uptake by the plant is stopped and this in turn causes the plant to die.

3. Diseases like crazy top can be more common in smaller corn covered by flood waters. The saturated soil conditions can also make the corn plants more susceptible to late-season root and stalk rots. These fields need to be monitored more closely during the season to check for the presence of these diseases.

4. Loss of nitrogen through denitrification and leaching is one of the major problems following saturated soil conditions. Corn will uptake and assimilate the majority of its nitrogen needs prior to pollination so any loss of N prior to this time is critical and can lead to decreased yield. To alleviate this concern, liquid nitrogen can be applied using a sprayer equipped with drop nozzles to keep the fertilizer solution off the leaves and out of the whorl. An alternative method is to apply urea granules by air. Some granules may get into the whorl and cause minor leaf discoloration and speckling. However, the positive benefits of the nitrogen application should outweigh any damage. Both methods will require additional rainfall to get the nitrogen into the root zone for plant uptake to occur.

5. Saturated soils may result in a high incidence of Fusarium crown rot. This disease infects the “crown” which is the area below the soil surface where the fibrous roots enter the main plant. Fusarium crown rot limits the flow of essential water and nutrients through the crown to the stalk, leaves, and ear. Once infected, the plant may or may not display obvious symptoms. The effects of this disease generally show up late-season as premature plant death, stalk and root lodging, and reduced yields.

DON’T BE AFRAID OF THE ROTARY HOE; BUT TIMING IS CRITICAL:  There is a good article relating to soil crusting after heavy rain events by two Iowa State authors.  Follow the link to access it. (click here)

SPRAYER  TIPS – Preparation Key To Reliability, Efficiency:

Paul Haefner, AGCO application division marketing specialist offers a f