Agronomy Articles
Chemical Programs
By Cody Plamp, Agronomist, Dimock
The growing season continues with a wide variety of issues in the countryside between drown out, lack of rain, and now bug pressure in some parts of our trade territory. It has sure been a challenging year, but we have a lot to be grateful for and need to keep what we have for crops protected. Our southern and eastern trade territories have been spraying soybean aphids in the last week to 10 days with the bug pressure being extremely high. I believe they will keep moving their way north and west unless we happen to get a big rain to slow them down. Soybean aphids can cause significant yield losses if not controlled promptly. Farmers should inspect the undersides of leaves, as aphids tend to congregate there. If aphid populations exceed the economic threshold of roughly 200 aphids per plant timely insecticide application may be necessary. Call your agronomist today if you have any concerns or need a field looked at. It is also highly recommended to put fungicide in with this insecticide.
Another item to keep in mind as we get closer to the October/ harvest time frame is stalk strength. The stalks have seemed a little weaker this year compared to normal due to the late planting dates and the fast-growing corn. If possible, it will be key to keep the corn in the field as long as possible to help get the moisture down. If needed, due to weak stalks, take the corn out so it doesn’t end up on the ground.
WEEDS! We need to have a plan going into fall on what we are going to do with all the prevent plant acres that are across our trade territory along with any low bottoms that may have been drowned out. There are many. Winter annual weeds are widely seen across our trade area and will likely cause problems going into spring of 2025 if we do not act this fall. Fall herbicides will be critical to help take control of these weeds as we plan for next year’s crop. Get ahold of your CFC agronomist to discuss a two-pass fall/spring chemical application program.
8/9/2024
Key Factors
By Brian Nelson, Agronomist, Salem
As corn and soybeans enter their reproductive stages, you'll want to keep an eye on several key factors to ensure healthy development and optimize yields. Here's a breakdown of what to look for:
For Corn:
- Tasseling and Silking:
- Tasseling: Look for the emergence of the tassel at the top of the plant. It should be fully emerged and show an adequate number of branches for effective pollen production.
- Silking: Check that the silk emergence coincides with tasseling. Silks should be visible and healthy, extending from the ear shoots. Proper pollination depends on silks being out and receptive to pollen.
- Pollination:
- Ensure that pollination is occurring. Pollen from the tassel should be falling onto the silks. Poor pollination can result in missing kernels or poor ear fill. Doing the silk test is a good way to check pollination.
- Kernel Development:
- After pollination, monitor the development of kernels on the ear. Kernels should be filling out and growing. Check for uniformity in kernel size and shape.
- Leaf Health:
- Keep an eye on the leaves for signs of stress or disease. Healthy leaves are crucial for photosynthesis, which supports kernel development.
- Ear Development:
- Observe the ears for proper development. They should be filling out evenly, and kernels should be plump.
- Water and Nutrient Supply:
- Ensure adequate water and nutrients are available. Corn in reproductive stages is particularly sensitive to nutrient deficiencies and drought.
For Soybeans:
- Flowering:
- Look for the development of flowers on the plants. Flowering is a critical stage, and healthy flowers are necessary for pod development.
- Pod Development:
- Check for the formation of pods. Pods should start forming and increasing in size. Healthy pods are typically firm and free from diseases or pests. Be aware of the growth stage on soybeans when trying to clean up weeds. Yield hits can and will happen with late season applications of chemical.
- Seed Setting:
- As pods develop, look for the formation of seeds within the pods. Seeds should be filling out and growing.
- Leaf Health:
- Like corn, ensure the leaves are healthy. Soybeans rely on leaf photosynthesis for pod and seed development.
- Growth Stages:
- Be aware of the specific growth stages of soybeans (R1 to R8). Each stage has different requirements and indicators of plant health.
- Water and Nutrient Management:
- Ensure that the plants receive adequate water and nutrients, especially during pod fill and seed development.
Monitoring these factors can help you manage potential issues early and ensure that your crops have the best chance of reaching their full yield potential. Talk to your agronomist for more detailed information.
8/2/2024
Agronomy Update
By Chris Rutledge, Agronomist, Irene
What a wild season it has been with the weather and the markets. Post soybean herbicide looks to be wrapping up. We are finding continued insect pressure in the alfalfa and finding aphids in soybeans with a few fields needing treatment. We are also seeing some increase in disease pressure. Now is the time to talk to your sales agronomist about the benefits of fungicide and foliar feed options to protect your top end yield. If you wait until you see significant disease pressure you are already losing top end yield!
7/26/2024
Agronomy Staff
 Jeff Schmiesing
Agronomy Dept. Manager
Cell: 605-940-7665
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 Allen Johansen
Seed Lead
Cell: 605-661-4882
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Clay Hespe
Tyndall Agronomist
Cell: 605-421-1636
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 Cody Plamp
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