August 26, 2010
Field crops are rapidly approaching maturity in the area. The recent dry spell has likely taken the top end off of bean yields, but it has helped with keeping white mold in check. A few dry bean fields are beginning to come off, silage harvest is about to be in full swing, and early beet harvest will begin next week. Things are about to get very busy for our farmers. I want to remind everyone to be careful during harvest this year.
If you have not ordered wheat seed yet, supplies are growing tight. Your choice of varieties will be limited later in the season, so call early to place your order. We also have a good supply of field rye seed for cover crop, available in both 56# bags or 2,000# totes.
August 4, 2010
White mold in soybeans and dry beans will be a problem in areas this year. It has been a little warm for development of the disease, but with the high humidity and soil moisture, dense crop canopies, and high levels of inoculum from last year's outbreak, I am expecting to see white mold again this year. It has already shown up in some fields. The window for controlling the disease with a fungicide is closing fast. If you are making a fungicide application, it will pay to add an insecticide such as Baythroid or Warrior.
Silage harvest will be very early this year! Many corn fields are already beginning to dent. Whole plant moisture will be the determining factor in when silage is ready, as always.
July 23, 2010
Wheat harvest is essentially finished, and for the most part, yields and quality were excellent. Toward the end of harvest we saw falling numbers beginning to slide, which is indicative of sprouts. This proves further the need to harvest white wheat as early as possible to maintain quality.
One of my biggest concerns now is the development of white mold in dry beans and soybeans. With the recent heavy rainfall and high humidity, the stage is set for another potentially severe outbreak of this disease.
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