Like most of the Midwest, it’s been hot and dry across Nebraska. Little relief is expected in terms of rainfall, and some growers have already begun chopping or bailing their corn stands. With the excessive heat, I’ve seen a variety of pollination or grain-fill issues including silk balling and pinched ears. I’ve seen it across the industry, including our competitor’s new drought-tolerant hybrids. Latham’s LH 6255 VT3 PRO and LH 6396 3111 seem to be hanging in there through tough, corn-on-corn conditions.
Another point of interest is the arrival of Japanese beetles. They’re slowly working their way eastward. I first noticed this epidemic at a winery near Nebraska City. They have a chewing mouthpart and can wreak havoc on a crop, especially soybeans, if there are enough of them. Our basic insecticides are labeled for them so there really isn’t too much of an issue with control. The slide below is from university extension services and should help you with your scouting.
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