The Sustainable Blockchain Solution to Deforestation-Free Soy
Deforestation-free Soy The soy industry is under fire. In May 2021, retailers threatened action over the deforestation of the Amazon. Although deforestation of the Amazon region is a regional problem - or rather global as most of the world is deforested by now - it reflects badly on the soy sector as a whole. However, it is difficult to make deforestation-free claims. Take pork for example. By and large, pigs are soy-fed but equally certain is that farms have no idea where their soy comes from. Soy supply chains, like all commodities, are long and complex and operate with [...]
Diagnosing Field Issues in Soybeans
It is that time of year again when spring gives way to summer heat. Crop planting has all but wrapped up across the state, and all emerged fields are growing at breakneck speed. Post emerge applications are mostly complete on corn fields and post emerge applications in soybeans are in full swing. This time of year, it is not uncommon to notice oddities in your crop fields. Sometimes it is easy to jump to conclusions, that may not be accurate. Let’s go through a couple of scenarios and walk through some considerations. Case 1: Deformed Leaves Photo credit: Steven [...]
PODCAST: Successfully Double-Cropping Soybeans
Scott Eversgerd, CCA Soy Envoy and Pioneer field agronomist, joins the podcast this month to discuss double-cropping soybeans and what growers can do to maximize yields on those acres. He provides tips to help get the crop off to a good start and also gives an update on wheat crop harvest conditions. ILSoyAdvisor Podcasts · Successfully Double-Cropping Soybeans
Current U.S. Drought Conditions for Illinois
To view current U.S. drought conditions, check out the Current U.S. Drought Monitor Conditions for Illinois. The U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) is updated each Thursday to show the location and intensity of drought across the country. The map shows drought conditions across Illinois using a five-category system, from Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions to Exceptional Drought (D4). The USDM is a joint effort of the National Drought Mitigation Center, USDA, and NOAA. Learn more. The following state-specific drought impacts were compiled by the National Drought Mitigation Center. While these impacts are not exhaustive, they can help provide a clearer picture [...]
Tissue Sampling Considerations for Higher Yields
In many parts of the state, soybean fields are planted and ready to start growing. I can sense the genetic potential of the 2021 soybean crop. A soybean plant actively absorbs nutrients and moisture as it grows and develops new plant parts that advance through its vegetative and reproductive growth stages. As the plant undergoes photosynthesis, develops nodules, develops new root zones, and other activities, it utilizes nutrients. These nutrients are referred to as essential nutrients, because without them a soybean plant cannot grow and develop as needed. When a plant needs more ‘supplies’ (nutrients) and the soil is [...]
Five Tips For a Smoother and More Profitable Post-Emergence Herbicide Application
The 2021 planting season ran long again this year, starting in late March and continuing into early June. Most growers may schedule their summer or task out by calendar; however, a weed seed plans its unwanted arrival based off growing degree unit, or GDU (heat), and how soon the pre-emerge soybean residual gives up. This means that very soon, it’s going to become difficult to complete post-emergence in crop herbicide application, especially with products that have a stop use date associated with them. Here are some tips to help make post soybean herbicide application a little smoother. 1. Don't [...]
It’s Time to Scout From The Field, Not The Road
Scouting has become a historical activity in many areas and has been replaced with a drive-by at 15 MPH. Yes, if one can see green rows across the field it may seem as if the crop is developing nicely. However, as they say, the devil is in the details. So now that I have piqued your interest in wanting to go walk a soybean field, now what? Below are some items of what to look for and track. 1. Stand Establishment Stand counts should be performed early in the crop’s life cycle to determine the need for replanting and/or “beefing” [...]
Timely Tips for Planting Double Crop Beans
Wheat harvest will begin in the southern-most tip of Illinois in just a matter of days, and double crop soybean planting will be right behind it. For many years, it was widely accepted that this crop of beans was just a bonus and that counting on any bushels from this crop was risky. We have discovered that with a few management tweaks and attention to detail, these acres can yield extremely well and will often compete with full season beans on yield. Below are some discussion points around maximizing the yield of this crop: Planting Date – The data [...]
Four Simple Steps to Minimize Pollinator Impact When Spraying
Through my lifelong experiences in agriculture and as a beekeeper, I have sometimes observed conflict between my fellow apiarists and row-crop farmers. For legitimate reasons, beekeepers are very protective of their apiaries, and farmers need crop protection products to battle pests in their fields. These two goals can sometimes lead to conflict, with beekeepers worrying about the health of their colonies and farmers viewing managed beehives as an annoyance they are forced to consider when managing their crops. However, as in most conflicts, communication and education go a long way in helping row-crop farmers co-exist peaceably with their beekeeping [...]
PODCAST: Fungicide Treatments to Protect Soybean Yields
Jason Carr, CCA Soy Envoy and Bayer Crop Science technology development representative, joins the podcast to share the value fungicide treatments bring to soybean management programs to protect yields. We also discuss what makes a quality fungicide, current research and application timing and methods. ILSoyAdvisor Podcasts · Fungicide Treatments to Protect Soybean Yields
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