Tar spot has been confirmed in a central Iowa corn field. Iowa State University Extension plant pathologist Dr. Alison Robertson says the detection in Poweshiek County is not surprising because the crop disease has been observed in June the past three years. North central Iowa farmer April Hemmes tells Brownfield tar spot is a problem…… Continue Reading
Farmers should monitor for a variety of diseases, pests
A crop specialist says there are several diseases that farmers should be monitoring. Jared Miller with FMC Corporation says rapid growth syndrome has been spotted in different parts of the Corn Belt. “We’re seeing that a lot in corn right now. Some guys think that’s a chemical issue, but that corn has been kind of…… Continue Reading
U.S. Custom Harvesters facing harvest challenges
The president of U.S. Custom Harvesters says weather has created harvest challenges. Paul Paplow’s custom harvesting operation spans nine states. “We started out early with a lot of our work getting zeroed out down in Texas with the early drought,” he says. “After the stuff was zeroed out, it started raining and it’s been raining…… Continue Reading
House and Senate reconciliation bills differ on 199A deduction
The House and Senate Reconciliation packages differ on a tax deduction important to farmers. U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says while the House proposal raises the Section 199A deduction for qualified business income to 23 percent, the Senate would make the deduction permanent but remain at 20 percent. “Well remember, the 23 percent was sunsetting. And…… Continue Reading
Don’t panic about early tar spot detections
An extension plant pathologist is encouraging growers to scout their fields for early tar spot development. Tamra Jackson-Ziems with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln says farmers shouldn’t panic if they identify the disease. “Once this fungus becomes a permanent resident. It’s over wintering. This is what they typically see in the Eastern Corn Belt. It’s not…… Continue Reading
Red Meat Exports Boosting Corn Farmers
For many years, the Illinois Corn Checkoff has invested in the work of the U.S. Meat Export Federation to expand global markets for American beef and pork. In this Managing for Profit, John Hinners, Senior VP of Industry Relations with USMEF, shares some of the organization’s latest work and how it benefits Illinois farms. The…… Continue Reading
Research to focus on improving cattle efficiency
The CEO of the American Angus Association says it is using a recently awarded grant to focus on feed efficiency. Mark McCully says, “We are measuring methane to get at feed efficiency on grass and how it relates to production traits.” He says the research, which is funded by the Bezos Earth Fund, has come…… Continue Reading
Scattered showers, storms; heat & humidity across parts of the Heartland
Across the Corn Belt, showers linger in the Ohio Valley, where a few producers are still attempting to complete summer crop planting. By June 15, U.S. producers had planted 93% of their intended soybean acreage, slightly behind the 5-year average of 94%. However, crops that have emerged are mostly faring well, with 72% of the…… Continue Reading
An early-season heat wave ahead for much of the Corn Belt; no shortage of rain & storms
Looking ahead, the 6- to 10-day outlook calls for the likelihood of above-normal temperatures from the central and southern Plains to the East Coast, while cooler-than-normal conditions will cover the northern High Plains, the Rio Grande Valley, and the West. Meanwhile, near- or above-normal rainfall across most of the country should contrast with drier-than-normal weather…… Continue Reading
Scout for pests, including corn rootworm
With planting wrapped up for most farmers, scouting season begins as producers watch for signs of disease and pests. One of the pests that can cause weak corn stands and impact yields is corn rootworm. Emily Bick is an entomologist, researcher and professor at the University of Wisconsin. She says her team is already in…… Continue Reading
