This is a vulnerable time during soybean development as we enter pod development so it's important to scout your fields for insect feeding. A recently shot this video while scouting soybean fields at Beck's Practical Farm Research (PFR)® site in London, OH for insect damage, specifically from stink bugs.

Watch it now to learn more about what to look for and what kind of injury you can expect.

As we prepare for planting, there are a number of things to keep in mind. From burndown to weed and pest control, there are factors to consider that will ultimately affect the season ahead.  

By now many of you are probably aware that the EPA has approved the use of the herbicide XtendiMax™ with VaporGrip™ technology for in-crop use in dicamba tolerant soybeans. The Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® soybeans will have tolerance to both glyphosate as well as dicamba. Currently, the XtendiMax label only has a two-year registration. The EPA has reserved the right to rescind the label if they feel the product is being misused, is having a negative impact on the environment and general public impact, or is having a high number of off-target incidents.

After a slow start to the 2016 harvest, farmers throughout Ohio are now in full swing. Harvest marks the final stage to our 2016 crop, it is also the first step in preparing for your 2017 crop. Sitting in the combine at harvest is the perfect time to evaluate the various inputs and practices we implemented throughout the past growing season. 

A common service call I have received over the past week is yellowed corn. What causes yellow corn? Should you be concerned? What is important to remember is that the type of yellowing you see on your corn will be indicative of what caused the yellowing.

Over the past week, much of Ohio has received excess rainfall that has slowed fieldwork and planting almost to a halt. As of May 1, 2016, the USDA reported that 27 percent of Ohio’s corn was planted, but only 1 percent had emerged. With the cool, wet weather we have had, emergence is taking longer than usual. It’s tempting to look at the calendar and start to get concerned if your corn isn’t coming up in 7 to10 days like you might have expected. If you are looking at your planted fields and wondering when you will start to see rows of corn, the following information should help you understand when you might expect to see those small green spikes

The first drink of water corn or soybean seed takes is important. A rain event within 24 hours of planting can cause lower yields and possibly a thin stand. A small, light rain (such as 0.1 in.) doesn’t seem to have an adverse effect, but larger rain events often do.

So the million-dollar question is, “do I plant today or do I stop because a rain is coming?” If you are looking for some data to help you make that decision, we have a tool for you...

Springtime is my favorite time of year! After five months of cold, frozen and wet, I love getting out into the field to start the 2016 growing season. My slogan for this growing season is “MAKE IT COUNT.” Why is that important? It is easy to get in a hurry, especially this time of year. I’m guilty of it as well. But one thing that can put spring business into perspective is: “MAKE IT COUNT.” Each year we get one shot. Let’s strive to make it our best shot each year.

Have you ever considered planting an earlier maturity soybean variety or corn hybrid so that you could plant your cover crop earlier in the fall? The question is, how much time will it gain you by dropping to an earlier maturity? This past fall, I set out to answer just that. After months of note taking and studying our soybean show plot (planted April 29) at the Ohio Practical Farm Research (PFR)^® site, I am excited to share my findings!  

This week I wanted to give a quick update on the crown rot that I am seeing in corn fields this year. Crown rot is caused by early wet conditions followed by a stress later in the season. Crown rots, stalk rots and cannibalization can affect standability. Therefore, these fields should be prioritized for early harvest. Check out the video to learn more!