Cover Crop Termination
Spring green up and growth of cover crops is occurring and has been for several weeks in some areas. You should consider terminating cover crop stands sooner rather than later, especially if the soil and environmental conditions allow. Even though cover crops reduce soil erosion, improve nutrient capturing and benefit residue management, THEY ARE NOW WEEDS! Complete control of cover crops during the early spring is critical for future crop yield. There are two main types of cover crops, broadleaves and grasses, and we need to distinguish the best way to manage these different types. Broadleaf Cover Crops: While [...]
8 Key Soybean Diseases (and 1 Worm) To Watch Out For (and What To Do About Them)
According to the Crop Protection Network, soybean producers in Illinois lose just under half a billion dollars annually to diseases. This equates to an average of $51/acre per year across the state over the past decade. Understanding what these diseases are and how to control them can improve the profitability of your operation. Figure 1. Annual loss per acre to soybean diseases in Illinois. Data source: Crop Protection Network Disease Loss Calculator Early Season Diseases Many pathogens attack soybeans early in the growing season. The most significant are Phytophthora, Fusarium, Pythium and Rhizoctonia. Each of these diseases can cause [...]
What is IPM?
In modern production agriculture, it’s important that we look at the big picture of how to manage yield-robbing pests. It’s human nature to gravitate toward the practices that are either cheapest or the easiest. However, in the long run these selected practices may end up costing more. We must evaluate the short- and long-term impact of the decisions we make. IPM, or integrated pest management, consists of a host of tools that are available to properly protect a crop. Integrated Pest Management: A sustainable approach that combines the use of prevention, avoidance, monitoring and suppression strategies in a way [...]
Which Nutrient Does Your Soybean Crop Crave?
What is the most important nutrient for a soybean crop? Depending on who you ask, potassium, nitrogen or manganese might be the answers you receive, but it is really a trick question. There are 17 nutrients required by plants to carry out the essential biological functions that ultimately lead to a harvestable crop. While they are required in different amounts, your soybean crop craves them all. Essential nutrients include those that we think about frequently, like nitrogen, as well as micronutrients, including nickel, that are required in such miniscule amounts that we rarely consider supplying them as a fertilizer. [...]
Preparing for Planting Amidst Social Distancing
By Todd Steinacher and Jessie Shoopman Amid the COVID-19 outbreak, we all need to do our parts and practice social distancing. At the same time farming doesn’t stop, so here are five steps you should take to prepare for the spring while protecting your and your communities’ health. 1. Prepare for herbicide application. Instead of arranging plans for herbicide application with your local retailer in their office, this spring you may not have the opportunity to meet in person for 2020 plans. Below are some tips to help your operation be proactive during social distancing so that your needs [...]
How Does Weather Outlook Impact Management Decisions?
As Dr. Below from the University of Illinois has proven to us time and time again, weather has a significant impact on the quality of a crop, its development and its final yield performance. Over the years we can pick out specific periods where weather had a major effect on crop growth, such as 2012 and 2019. Weather can directly impact planting decisions and needs to be evaluated for potential replant risk. Over the last five years, several companies have introduced tools to provide predictions of weather and potential risk. As an Illinois CCA, I take this information and [...]
Considerations When Selecting From 3 Different Soybean Herbicide Trait Platforms
As we move closer to the 2020 growing season, one key decision that Illinois growers are making is which soybean herbicide trait platform to use on their farm. In addition to non-GMO options, there are currently three primary systems from which to choose: LibertyLink® GT27, Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® and Enlist E3® soybeans. When used correctly, all of these platforms can lead to effective and successful weed control. However, they all come with unique considerations that must be kept in mind when planning a weed control program. Regardless of which trait platform is chosen, weed control should start with [...]
Why Work With a CCA?
Over the past 15-20 years, the agriculture industry has evolved and become increasing complicated. These complications can result in very high rewards while also creating significant environmental impacts and financial risk. There are currently 13,000 Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs), including 1,200 from Illinois. If you don’t currently consult with a CCA on your soybean management practices, you should consider it because individuals who hold this certification have demonstrated the commitment, education, expertise and experience to make a difference in a client’s business. As a CCA, I take great pride in being one of the select few who carry this [...]
Budgeting: What, Why and How?
By Jessie Shoopman and Emily Carls What? What is budgeting? More specifically, what is budgeting for business management? Budgeting can be defined as the process of designing, implementing and operating budgets. Budgets can be used in a variety of ways when talking about agriculture production: cash flow analysis, capital purchase management, enterprise analysis, long-range strategic planning, etc. Why? Why is budgeting important? The variability of the agriculture industry has increased over the last decade. When we look at the marketing year average (MYA) price for soybeans over the last 10 years (2009-2018), we see drastic changes year over year. [...]
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