Production

Two researchers in Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences have received a $499,865 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Food and Agriculture to study corn resistance mechanisms against the insect pests, the fall armyworm and the western corn rootworm. Drs. Michael Kolomiets, professor in the Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, and Julio ... Read More »

Corn is an important crop for Florida’s agriculture industry with nearly 100,000 acres annually. Producers, Extension agents and researchers are studying corn nitrogen fertilization programs and methods to improve fertilizer uptake efficiency, to increase profitability and to reduce impacts to water resources. Why Controlled Release? Projects on controlled-release sources of nitrogen in corn, watermelons and carrots are ongoing at the ... Read More »

Starter fertilizers are often part of a successful nutrient management strategy. As with any fertility program, implementation of starters requires attention to detail. Avoid Fertilizer Burn Fertilizer burn may occur when fertilizers are applied with or near seed at planting. Many fertilizers are salts that dissolve into the respective ions in the soil water when applied. Think of table salt, ... Read More »

The University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture has demonstrated water management practices on cooperator farms for five years. The Arkansas irrigation yield contest tests the knowledge and ability of growers to produce the “Most Crop Per Drop.” Together, these efforts have shown that when applied effectively, water use can be reduced by 24% on average with no yield penalty. Chad ... Read More »

Weeds are the bane of most growers’ existence. In a growing class of “superweeds,” Palmer amaranth continues to frustrate farmers with its dogged resistance to commonly used herbicides. Research has shown that left unchecked Palmer amaranth can reduce corn yield by 91%. Different chemistries have been brought to market and enjoyed some control against the weed, yet many are no ... Read More »

To optimize corn yield opportunities, numerous resources and management must be provided. Of course, favorable weather plays a huge role as well. Prevalent rainfall restricts planting progress, stand development, nutrient relations and crop growth and health during the season. This article describes key strategies we can use to limit these risks and improve corn yield potential. The Mississippi State University ... Read More »

University of Missouri Extension field crop entomologist Kevin Rice says Missouri soybean and corn growers should be on the lookout for growing populations of yield-robbing insects in 2021. Japanese beetles Continue scouting for Japanese beetles, Missouri’s No. 1 soybean pest, Rice says. Populations continue to grow for this beetle. Japanese beetles made their first appearance in Missouri in the 1930s, ... Read More »

Mississippi State University annually conducts Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials which are an extremely valuable resource for you to help select corn hybrids for your farm – MAFES Corn Hybrid Trials. These hybrid trials are typically grown in eight or more locations representing different growing regions, cropping systems and soil types in our state. The primary benefit of this program ... Read More »

As the 2020 corn-growing season draws to a close, Syngenta engaged university agricultural researchers from across the United States to analyze the agronomic challenges farmers encountered this season and offer tips on how they can best control weeds and preserve yields heading into 2021. Although weed pressures vary by geography, weed management fundamentals remain consistent throughout the United States. Researchers ... Read More »

• By Pat Porter • My recent post discussed the proposal by Environmental Protection Agency to drastically change the resistance management regulations around Bt corn and cotton. You can submit a comment here before Nov. 9. The proposal is hard to find on the EPA website, so I have reposted it here. Part of the plan is to phase out ... Read More »