Do Not Lead with the Big Guns
Weed management is more than just selecting a post applied herbicide trait in your soybeans and waiting to spray when weeds emerge. Over the last 10 to 15 years, it seems like many producers aren’t sure if they will have a weed pressure problem and so are reluctant to get aggressive with a foundation effective herbicide. Instead, it’s become more of wait and see, then react with post herbicide. We apply nitrogen every year ahead of corn because we know a corn crop will need nitrogen. In fact, many producers have implemented strategies to maximize season-long supply by splitting [...]
Retirement Plans for Farm Operators
While 2020 was a challenging year in many ways, farm incomes were relatively strong in parts of the Midwest. These income levels often give rise to a search for a tax deferred retirement plan. There are several options available, however, the retirement plan space can be very complex. The following is a synopsis of some of the more common retirement plan options followed by a table that outlines the characteristics of each type of plan. Individual Retirement Account - IRA IRAs are the least complex and most versatile. The deduction is limited to the lesser of wages plus net [...]
What to do while we wait for the Elusive ‘Silver Bullet,’ Recap of Summit Breakout
During the Soybean Summit session on February 24, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Bernards with the Western Illinois University School of Agriculture and his presentation of “What to do while we wait for the Elusive ‘Silver Bullet.’” If you were unable to attend this event, I would like to provide some insight on the topic. I hope after reading this blog you will be energized to follow the link to watch the full presentation: What to Do While We Wait for the Elusive “Silver Bullet” - YouTube Over time, there have been several major concepts or [...]
Understanding the Critical Factors That Influence Soybean Yield
Over the last several years, multiple factors have been studied that need to be considered to maximize soybean yields. One thing that we know for sure is that there are not any “silver bullets” that alone can help us achieve our goals, but rather a system of multiple yield-influencing factors. Some of the most influential factors that we have noted are planting date, variety selection, seed treatment, foliar fungicide and insecticide, plant nutrition, row spacing, and weed management. Multiple years of studies have been conducted at the BASF Midwest Research Farm in Seymour, Ill., to better understand the impact [...]
Insect Management: What did we learn in 2020, Recap of Summit Breakout
During the second session of Soybean Summit on February 17, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Nick Seiter, who presented “Insect Management: What did we learn in 2020?” If you were unable to attend this session, I would like to provide some insight on the topic. I hope after reading this blog you will be motivated to watch the full presentation here: Insect Management: What Did We Learn in 2020? - YouTube Dectes Stem Borer This insect has caught the eye of several farmers and agronomists, specifically in Southern Illinois. Adults: Adults do not cause active damage [...]
Understanding Seedling Diseases & Seed Treatments, Recap of Summit Breakout
During the first session of the 2021 Soybean Summit on February 10, I had the opportunity to learn from Dr. Kleczewski’s presentation, “Seedling Disease and Seed Treatment-What’s the deal?” If you were unable to attend this session, I would like to provide some insight on the topic. I hope after reading this blog you will be energized to follow this link and watch the full presentation: Seedling Diseases and Seed Treatments – What’s the Deal? - YouTube How do seedling disease impact a crop? Seedling diseases are soil borne and will infect a soybean after planting through emergence. Infection [...]
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