Using Drones for Weed Management
In this GROW Farmer Forum, panelists led a discussion of the current state of drone scouting, mapping and herbicide applications for weed management, as well as the future of the technology. Dr. Steve Li, of Auburn University, served as the moderator, alongside panelist Rick Jordan, of CNY Drone Services.
Planting Marches On: Addressing Concerns with Herbicide Applications, Weather Forecasts, Cover Crop Termination, and More
The Soy Envoys provide an update on planting progress across Illinois, with both corn and soybeans at 11 percent completion as of April 21st. They discuss emerging concerns such as weed pressure, pest sightings, cover crop termination, and adhering to herbicide labels.
EPA Publishes Update on Herbicide Strategy Progress
The EPA issued an update on the Herbicide Strategy, including more options for conservation measures and improved mapping to identify areas requiring practices. By using four tiers to describe mitigation effectiveness, the EPA aims to reduce the areas mandating specific conservation practices. The agency plans to release the complete strategy by August 30th.
What on Earth(worm) Are Those Brown Things?
Stephanie Porter shares more about identifying earthworm egg cocoons, emphasizing their role in soil health. She explains how lack of earthworms in a field doesn't always signify poor soil quality, and factors like soil type, pH, and moisture levels impact earthworm populations in agricultural fields.
Illinois Dicamba Label and Recordkeeping
As the 2024 growing season begins in Illinois, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) reminds applicators that the dicamba use restrictions mandated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture remain unchanged from those in 2023. Annual dicamba label training remains a prerequisite before applying dicamba over-the-top of soybeans.
Can Henbit Serve As A Host Away from Soybean?
Illinois Soybean Association Outreach Agronomist, Stephanie Porter, CCA, shares the challenges of winter annual weeds, highlighting henbit and purple deadnettle as alternative hosts of soybean cyst nematode. Research suggests that managing winter annuals in the fall, applying residual herbicides, and removing winter weeds before planting are crucial strategies for management.
Learning From the Integration of Soil Health, Water Quality and Climate-Smart Agriculture
A multi-year Illinois Soybean Association project led by Dr. Andrew Margenot is benchmarking tillage and cover crops effects for soil health and water quality. Results will inform farmers of tradeoffs among soil health, carbon credits, and water quality.
Planting Progress: A Marathon, Not a Sprint!
The Soy Envoys provide a short update on planting progress and field conditions across different regions of Illinois. They discuss weed control strategies and herbicide applications as well as the connection of winter annual weeds being a host for soybean cyst nematode. Listen to the full episode here or on all major podcasting platforms.
Where Do Soybeans Come From?
Soy Envoy, Craig Grafton, shares the process of soybean breeding, shedding light on how new soybeans varieties are being developed. He also discusses the evolving landscape of soybean traits and the future of soybean breeding.
Bulletins Live! Two – Are You in Compliance?
ILSoyAdvisor Soy Envoy, Karen Corrigan, introduces Bulletins Live! Two, a web-based application with access to Endangered Species Protection Bulletins, an extension of pesticide labels. She urges applicators to generate reports outlining any usage limitations or restrictions in their area prior to spraying.
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