As we know all too well, each year of crop production gives us different challenges and opportunities. And as we continue to increase our knowledge and efficiencies of crop production, we continue to be humbled by new pests that rob our fields of yield. Two diseases in particular that have been discovered recently include Red Crown Rot of soybeans and Taproot Decline of soybeans. Both diseases were observed in the early 2000s in the Delta region of the United States. They have since migrated north and have been identified in most soybean growing states of the Midwest.

Problematic, resistant weeds are constantly evolving ­— and staying one step ahead of them can be difficult. As new technologies become available, the options for farmers increase, but many are left wondering how to maximize the technologies. The herbicide specialists at Beck's create numerous resources, like the Soybean Herbicide Programs guide, to help farmers make informed decisions regarding their weed management.

Heading into the 2021 planting season, this is the first year that we have not been in the middle of launching a new soybean technology to our sales team and customers. As exciting and interesting as it is to launch new technologies in three consecutive seasons, it can lead to confusion about what technology fits best on the farm.

Target Spot is not a new disease but has become more of an issue in the past few years, especially in the southern regions of our marketing area. Historically, it has not been a yield-robbing disease because it typically remains in the lower canopy of a soybean plant, and those leaves do not contribute to overall yield. In 2014, pathologists began seeing more severe infections, and by 2016 it was considered a disease with significant yield impact in susceptible varieties.

As we dive into a new decade, I sat down with Craig Hurley, soybean lead for the Beck’s product team. His unique vantage point allows him to evaluate new technologies from across the industry well before they are commercially available.

Last year's soybean harvest was among the latest on record, resulting in fields harvested at higher than average moisture levels. Farmers may likely have experienced peace of mind as combines rolled, only to face the concern of storing and drying their wet soybeans. As a result, many farmers discovered for the first time that soybeans can be dried relatively easily using air alone or in combination with low temperature heat.

Primary methods of controlling soybean threats in fi elds used to be fairly straight forward. Start with the most resistant variety available, and then apply your fungicides and insecticides in a timely manner. Rotating with corn or other non-host crops was always an added management practice many farmers considered. However, there is a trifecta of threats to soybean crops that are increasing in severity and causing drastic economic losses in fields throughout the Midwest.

With the new herbicide-tolerant traits on the market today and the many to come in the near future, this is a good opportunity to discuss some common herbicide injury symptomology that is documented every year.

Join Eric Wilson, Field Agronomist, and Miles Mcgovney, PFR Agronomist, for some post-harvest updates on our Landroller Study.

Based on the numerous requests received from farmers, Beck’s PFR team is testing the Mandako Landroller for the first time this year. We launched this study in an effort to determine if Land Rollers would provide any yield benefit to a soybean crop.

Join Jonathan Perkins and Joe Bolte at the Southern IL PFR Site for this latest PFR Report as they evaluate the planting depth study they are about to harvest.