West Central Iowa
Travis Slusher reports that his area had a very cool, moist week with temps in the 70s and about three inches of rain. He’s seeing leaf spot and eyespot in corn along with aphids in soybeans. Crops are still looking very good with corn in the R5 stage.
South Dakota
Bill Eichacker reports that precipitation last week improved crop conditions for the month of August. The biggest concern now is the timing of the first frost. He worked the Latham booth at Dakota Fest where he talked with area farmers who say they’re expecting better yields than last year for corn and above average on soybeans. Some fields are being sprayed for aphids.
Eastern Iowa
Brad Beatty says crop conditions changed a lot over the past week. He’s seeing a lot of sudden death and some white mold. More fields are being sprayed for aphids as populations went from 50 in a four-day period. Aphids aren’t in every field, so one must scout before spraying. Brad’s farm has received 8 inches of rain in the last 12 days, making it impossible to spray or bale hay. Water is setting in the rows. Corn looks good but showing more and more nitrogen deficiency. Some of the first planting is starting to dent (on early maturity hybrids).
Wisconsin
Steve Bailie reports more infestation of aphids this past week in soybeans, and the numbers are getting very close to the threshold for spraying. The weather forecast for the next four to five days is very favorable to aphid reproduction. He has seen many different areas across the state with white mold. At this stage in the game, the effect that the white mold is going to have on the beans is not going to be a major problem. In the last week, many parts of the state have had numerous shots of rain helping. Many area farmers are finishing up third crop hay and straw. Corn looks great in the fields not hit by bad weather.
Northwest Iowa
Bruce Anderson reports that most all the aphids have been sprayed. Planes are setting on the runways at local airports. Cool weather and more rain arrived. Unfortunately, some farmers received more severe hail again during the past 10 days. Heat units are still a big part of getting the crop out of the field and to town. The weather indicates it’s time for the Clay County fair to begin, so Bruce invites everyone to stop by and say, “Hi,” to the Latham guys.
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When I sit down to write articles for our blog, I feel like I'm sitting down with my family at the dinner table, ready to talk about news from the field while we enjoy one of our favorite recipes. Whether you're looking for information to help you in the field, a farm family's favorite recipe to try at your table or simply want to catch up with others in agriculture who are helping feed and fuel the world, we cover it here at The Field Position, and we look forward to getting to know you better.