There are numerous stalk rots that affect corn in mid to late season. Weather, nutrition and genetic disease tolerance all play major parts in the disease cycle. Plants move nutrients from the stalks to the ears during grain fill. High yields mean heavier ears. These two phenomena combined can make stalk quality issues a problem even in very high-yielding areas.

Do you know how, when, and where should you tissue test? Do you know how to handle your samples once you pull them? What should you be thinking about when evaluating the results? 
 

I wanted to share with you some observations I have seen in corn after fielding some chemical complaints over the last few days. 

Most parts of Iowa experienced conditions that were drier and warmer than usual throughout the month of June. Recently though, we received some much needed rain. Unfortunately, in some instances, these rains were accompanied by high winds and thunderstorms which occurred just prior to corn tasseling in many fields. High winds just prior to tassel can cause green snap (brittle snap) in corn.

Protecting corn from yield-robbing pests is one of the greatest concerns for farmers each year. From late June to mid-July these pests include foliar diseases and silk clipping insects. Properly managing these pests is crucial, and we can start by getting a better understanding of the economic and agronomic factors of each specific field. 

Fall fertility decisions in northwest Illinois have traditionally been based on crop removal and recent soil test levels. That may remain unchanged for some in 2015, while others may find the need to adjust levels lower due to economics. The cost to apply major nutrients like P and K have not dropped at the same rate as grain prices, resulting in heightened interest of economical use of these nutrients. Referring to soil test information, P and K can be allocated to only those areas most likely to respond to applications. Be sure to review critical levels of nutrients for corn, soybean, wheat, and alfalfa. The probability and magnitude of return to P and K fertilizer will increase when applied to soil test levels below the critical level.

Throughout the month of August I had the privilege to work alongside Beck’s Practical Farm Research (PFR)^® staff, conducting agronomy research tours at Beck’s Field Shows at both our Henderson, KY and Effingham, IL locations as well as Becknology™ Days in Atlanta, IN. Beck’s PFR program embodies the essence of Beck’s values (teamwork, integrity, innovation, adaptability, commitment, and passion) like no other agronomy program with which I have been associated. From the beginning, Beck’s founders have demonstrated a passion for observing and measuring the components of successful crop production from which they adapt and innovate to improve production systems. The PFR program is the natural evolution of this process, and its research data is now something we as Missouri farmers can access and deploy in our corn, soybean, and wheat production systems.

Before harvest begins, take this last opportunity to scout fields and evaluate the crop in corn fields, pay close attention to the disease levels and note hybrids which handled disease better. Are you happy with your fungicide decisions and applications? Make a final assessment of weed control, noting which weeds are present and if they need to be targeted next year. In soybeans, check for insect and disease pressure and be on the lookout for Palmer amaranth. It has been identified in many areas of northwest Illinois and you don’t want to run your combine through a patch of it when each plant may contain one million seeds. If you suspect a new weed in your fields this fall, call your Becks dealer or agronomist to identify it.

With the completion of late-season applications, corn and soybeans are advancing quickly to maturity. But before the combines roll, take the opportunity to evaluate management decisions made throughout the season. Significant differences become more evident as the crop finishes its reproductive phase. The combine will tell us the results, but the most important knowledge is the “why”. Take time, prior to harvest, to discover the “why” in your fields.

Every year at this time I still feel that back-to-school excitement when I watch my children get ready to make the transition from the fun summer break back to more disciplined learning. As farmers, harvest is one of our key times to learn. Today’s technology enables us to gather valuable data at the same time we harvest the yield from a long season’s work. If you use a yield monitor, prepare for accurate yield data collection by going through your technology supplier’s preharvest maintenance checklist.