From the Field Update from John Tyson’s Farm: July 30, 2012

Posted on July 30, 2012 by Rachel Norby, Summer Seed-2-Soil Intern

The Latham® Hi-Tech Seeds in Herman, Neb., is growing well despite drought conditions. No measurable rain was received between June 24 and July 23. Soybeans are not showing critical stress at this point, but rain is truly needed. Small numbers of stinkbugs, bean leaf beetles and spiders have been seen, but none these pests are yet near threshold.

Eastern Nebraska Crop Report: July 18, 2012

Posted on July 18, 2012 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

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.

From the Field Update from John Tyson’s Farm: June 25, 2012

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Shannon Latham, Vice President

The Latham Hi-Tech Seeds corn and soybean plot at John Tyson’s farm in Herman, Nebraska, is growing as expected. Both corn and soybean plots were sprayed with pre-emergence and post-emergence herbicides, so little to no weed pressure is present. So far this season, very little insect pressure has been experienced. A few bean leaf beetles and stinkbugs have been seen but nothing extreme. Bean growth was a little slow but the warm weather is causing it to grow rapidly now. Since May 1, this area has seen only around 6.5” of rain.