There was considerable flooding along the Missouri River in summer 2011, leaving many fields scarred and bare, without a crop. Producers should make field repairs as needed and seed a cover crop to help protect the soil and start rebuilding soil life before the 2012 cropping season. Cover crops benefit flood-damage soils in several ways....More
Minnesota farmer Gene Stengel and his sons Kevin and Rob will plant a 20% insect refuge this spring, as usual. Although “refuge-in-the-bag” blends of Bt and non-Bt seeds are proving popular with farmers – and could predominate in coming years – many growers will still plant structured non-Bt refuges in 2012....More
“It all comes down to the planter. If you don’t get it in the ground right the first time, nothing else matters.” That simple philosophy is at the heart of what Minster, OH, Crop Consultant Bill Lehmkuhl says is one of the most important parts of the crop cycle: getting ready for planting season....More
While not entirely explaining increased yields for corn and soybeans over the past 15 years, one Ohio State University agricultural economist said statistical evidence on linear yield trends shows biotechnology could play a role....More
After a wild weather year like 2011, it’s especially valuable to see how different varieties perform over multiple growing environments before selecting seed to plant for next season, says Shaun Casteel, Purdue University Extension soybean agronomist....More
Weather conditions at planting and harvest seemed to plague farmers in 2011. Despite frustrating meteorological developments, Ohio State University (OSU) experts say continuous improvements in corn genetics and traits allowed producers to record impressive yields this year....More
Manure and cover crops are a natural combination, but livestock farmers are often too busy in the fall with harvesting and manure application to worry about putting in a cover crop. Now, a new seeding technique makes it more practical for Midwest growers to reap the benefits of cover crops without an extra field pass. Slurry seeding combines liquid manure injection, low-disturbance tillage and cover-crop planting – all in one efficient operation....More
Americans for Choice and Competition in Agriculture, a coalition dedicated to increased choice and competition in the multi-trait seed marketplace, was launched recently in Des Moines, IA. Former Iowa State Senator and U.S. Ambassador to Latvia, Charles "Chuck" Larson will serve as the Coalition's executive director....More
Bunge North America, the North American operating arm of Bunge Limited, issued this statement following a U.S. Federal District Court’s ruling on Sept. 26, 2011 denying Syngenta’s request for a preliminary injunction....More
Sometimes Mother Nature is like the Joker. That’s evident from the 2011 growing season. Hopefully your hybrid choice is like Batman. From trait options to staygreen to stalk strength to pest and disease resistance, hybrids can bring an arsenal of tools to combat most enemies. Corn & Soybean Digest has compiled a list of top hybrids from top companies. Use it as a starting point for selecting hybrids for next year. Be sure to also consider university, independent and company trial data when making your decisions....More
