At a time when many farmers are looking forward to harvest beginning a few weeks down the road, we cannot become complacent about what is happening in your fields. If the crop is not in the bin, the opportunity for loss is still present.
Looking at and evaluating your current nitrogen and sulfur programs is IMPERATIVE to pushing yields and making improvements in the future. Every year is key to be evaluating nitrogen/sulfur programs with the losses that can happen throughout the year.
The growing season of 2021 has provided many areas in the Midwest with favorable conditions for possible southern corn rust development. Currently in the Midwest, southern rust has been observed in southeast Kansas, Missouri, and southern Illinois. Current numbers are low, but if high humidity and temperatures continue the pathogen could spread quickly.
Time seems to be in short supply, especially right now as farmers are busy with planting, last-minute fertilizations, and field prep. In the midst of all the chaos, it can be easy to lose track of the fields that have been planted and what they need as they develop, emerge and grow.
The threat of black cutworms is a possibility every year. These pests arrive yearly in April and May with spring storms after migrating from the South. Their damage can range from very little to severe cases of stand loss in cornfields. Midwest cornfields serve as a main hotspot for these insects.
If you would like to learn more about how you can thrive by becoming an ISC, let us know.