Tag Archives: Soybean Cyst Nematode

How Drought Might Affect 2013 Crops

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Mark Grundmeier

Following the 2012 growing season, researchers from across the Upper Midwest gathered to present data and opinions on a wide variety of topics pertinent to agriculture in our marketing area. Today I’m summarizing some of their findings for you to consider as you prepare to plant the 2013 crop.

  • SEEDLING DISEASES: University researchers are “dialing down” on the four main families of pathogens typically associated with soybean seedling diseases: Pythium, Fusarium, Rhizoctonia and Phytophthora. They have found more than 50 different species of Pythium that affect soybeans in our area. For many years, we believed this pathogen preferred cool, wet soils. Now we know that several of these species actually prefer warm soils! It was also discovered that some “new” species are not affected at all by fungicides currently available.
  • OTHER DISEASES & PESTS: Extremely dry weather throughout the Upper Midwest was responsible for the presence of Charcoal Rot, from as far north as southern Minnesota and as far east as the Mississippi River Basin. Damage from Soybean Cyst Nematode and Two-Spotted Spider Mite infestations were also widely reported. Be aware that many common insecticides don’t have much of an effect on Spider Mites, so carefully read the labels of any products you intend to use.
  • WEATHER: Dr. Elwynn Taylor said we’ve just finished a 19-year cycle of reasonably mild weather patterns and are now headed into a 25-year period where weather patterns are apt to be volatile. The 2012 drought caused most soils here to be depleted of moisture in the upper 7 to 8 feet. It will take a minimum of 16 –18 inches of rainfall (or equivalent in snow) to recharge those soils to their normal level. It will probably take at least two growing seasons to recharge.
  • TILLAGE: This was one of the “hottest” topics of the ICM conference. Most of the researchers were extremely surprised to see the amount of fall tillage completed because minimizing tillage helps conserve soil moisture. Soil is our greatest natural resource, so we must protect and conserve it or our children and grandchildren will surely suffer the consequences.

Crop Report 08/08/2012: Time to plan for 2013

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Planning is critical for any business, and farming is no exception. Now is the best time to begin planning your 2013 crop.

Crop planning involves:

There are many advantages to planning now for next year’s crop. First of all, there will never be a better selection of products than there is right now. There’s no better time than the present to plan your 2013 crop, so call your Latham® seed specialist today!

Select a territory in the drop-down menu below to view your region’s most recent crop updates.

Each week, our Regional Sales Managers provide crop reports from their territory, sharing crop progress, diseases or pests to watch for and corresponding management tips, and practices that will help you maximize yield potential in your particular growing conditions.

Southwest Minnesota Crop Report: July 18, 2012

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The stretch of above-average temperatures with below-average precipitation continued this week. The southwestern part of Minnesota remains dry, while some central areas of the state received more an inch of rain. Topsoil moisture supplies in the July 16 report by USDA’s NASS Minnesota Field Office were rated 47 percent adequate to surplus, down from 60 percent the previous week. Precipitation last week was very hit and miss: Around New Ulm and a bit south, close to a half inch fell on Thursday night. The Sleepy Eye area only received a tenth. Condition of the crops throughout south and south central Minnesota remain stable, considering how dry it has been. Our early season moisture is holding crops together but they are starting to show signs of heat stress.

While driving through southern and South Central Minnesota, you’ll see yellow soybean patches caused by Iron Deficiency Chlorosis, Soybean Cyst Nematode or root diseases. If you’re experiencing yellowing areas, visit with your Latham® Hi-Tech Seeds dealer about planting Latham brand soybeans with the IRONCLAD designation. For really tough soil conditions, plant our Mr. Defense 2183 R2. See www.lathamseeds.com for our complete 2013 soybean lineup.

Farm Fest is August 7-9, so stop by the Ag Tent booth #4106 and register for our grand prize drawing. Also remember to visit www.lathamseeds.com to register for the 4th Annual Latham Freedom of Independence Ride and to learn more about our Latham Country Fair on Aug. 25 in Alexander Iowa.