Grain Storage and Drying Calculators

A lot of the grain harvested this fall was wet. Immediate sale of this grain resulted in dockage at the elevator. On-farm storage and artificial drying of the grain also has costs. Now that farmers have most of their grain out of the field, they can pay closer attention to how much on-farm storage is costing compared with the expected dockages at the elevators.

An excellent website on Grain

Over the last few years, commodity marketing has been incredibly challenging for producers, largely due to a major increase in price volatility. This increase in price volatility signals a changing marketplace and has affected how many producers feel about using the futures’ market to manage price risk. One factor that has changed is the addition of new futures’ market participants. The purpose

Soybean Reports Now Available

The Kentucky Soybean Performance Test is available online.

The report is linked to the Grain Crops Extension home page and the University of Kentucky Variety Testing website.

The soybean varieties are divided by maturity and compared in one of four studies:
1) relative maturities 2.7-3.0
2) relative maturities 4.0-4.5
3) relative maturities 4.6-4.9
4) Maturity Group V

Table 5 reports

Corn Hybrid Performance Report

The 2009 Kentucky Corn Hybrid Performance Report is now available online. You can access the publication at the Variety Testing Website or at the Grain Crops Extension home page site.


There were six locations for the tests this year with early (112 days or less), medium (113 to 117 days) and late (118 days or more) maturity tests. In addition to those tests, white corn hybrids and hybrids for

Soybean Purple Seed Stain Widespread in Kentucky

A month or so ago I blogged about the prevalence in KY of Cercospora leaf blight, a fungal disease caused by Cercospora kikuchii. I mentioned that a phase of the disease - purple seed stain - was also likely to be prevalent once harvest got underway. Well this is now the case and many questions are being raised about purple seed. First of all, the purple coloration is caused by a plant toxin

Harvest Information at One Location

Crop harvest is going slow if and when it is going at all. The latest USDA estimates have the Kentucky corn crop at about 70 percent harvested and the soybeans at about 35 percent harvested. As you sip on some coffee, check the markets and wonder what this weather is doing to your crop, be sure to take a look at an excellent compilation of the latest information about the harvest:
http://

Frost Damage and Corn Silage Options

The recent freezing temperatures essentially stopped corn growth for most of Kentucky. Farmers that had corn planted late for silage are wondering if the corn crop is still suitable for silage. The following is a brief summary, mostly from AGR-183: Late Season Frost-Damage to Corn for Silage.

Corn will ensile well at moisture levels less  than 70% for upright silos and less than 75% moisture

Watch for Gibberella Ear Rot in Corn

Paul Vincelli, Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky

Last month, I wrote an article about Diplodia ear rot, our most common corn ear rot in Kentucky. Diplodia has no known associations with mycotoxins in corn. Gibberella ear rot is associated with mycotoxins and in some cases may look very similar to Diplodia. Normally, Gibberella ear rot is not a widespread problem in Kentucky, but this is

"Yield Penalty" in Corn after Corn: Could Root-Attacking Organisms be the Cause?

Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Kentucky
John Grove, Research Agronomist, University of Kentucky
Ric Bessin, Extension Entomologist, University of Kentucky

For decades, mono-cropping without rotation has been known to often result in reduced yield. Indeed, long-term studies at the University of Kentucky show that first-year corn-after-corn commonly experiences a "yield

Cercospora Leaf Blight More Extensive than Usual

Don Hershman, Plant Pathology, University of Kentucky

Considering the cool, wet, and late year we have just experienced, it should not come as a surprise to anyone that certain late-season soybean fungal diseases are more extensive than usual. In a more typical year, crops that mature in late summer, especially early maturing varieties planted early, tend to experience the most intense foliar,

Corn and Soybean Supply and Demand and Harvest Progress Update

On October ninth the United States Department of Agriculture released their monthly crop report and latest supply and demand figures. In the October report USDA slightly increased both corn and soybean production over last month.

The October ninth crop report pegs corn production at 13 billion bushels, about 8 percent more than 2008-2009 crop. The USDA is expecting yields to be a record at 164.2

Frost and Potential Yield Losses

According the October 4, 2009 edition of the Crop and Weather Report, about 86% of the corn crop was mature. The first occurrence of a fall freeze is normally mid to late October in Kentucky. A freeze event on corn that is not mature can reduce yields, depending on the stage of kernel fill.

According to research conducted by Drs. TeKrony and Egli at the University of Kentucky, a freeze event

Corn Kernels Sprouting on the Ear

Kernels are sprouting in the ear in many fields around the state. Normally, these sprouts are occurring from the lower portion of the ear. The ears typically are upright, the husks are open, and water collected at the base. The kernels are at blacklayer (35% moisture or less) and the water in the husk allows these kernels to imbibe water and germinate.Sprouting kernels are not a direct hazard to

Fall Armyworm Flights Increase --- Again!

Fall armyworm (FAW) moth counts are again increasing in the UK-IPM pheromone baited trap at Princeton. This is not completely unexpected. We see some sort of flight increase about this time every year. As to whether or not it is important is really a matter of when the caterpillars appear in relationship to your crops.At present FAW counts remain lower than the numbers associated with the known

Corn Yields may be Hurt by Fungi

Sam McNeill, Extension Agricultural Engineer and Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist with the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

USDA’s mid-September crop report predicted record level corn yields for Kentucky of 155 bushels per acre. Coupled with increased acreage, the state’s production could top 175 million bushels, which is also a record.

Corn Drydown in the Field

The cool, cloudy and wet weather has not helped with drydown of corn in Kentucky. We have been fielding (pun intended) many questions about how much longer to let the corn stand versus getting it out of the field.An excellent article, Field Drydown of Mature Corn Grain was just updated on this very subject by Bob Nielsen at Purdue.Dr. Nielsen says:"Simply put, warmer temperatures and lower

Bt Corn Refuge Requirement Confusion

Ric Bessin, EntomologyThere may be considerable confusion regarding refuge requirements in 2010 for Bt corn. In the past in Kentucky all we need to understand was that the minimum refuge size needed to 20% of the total corn acreage. If there was a Bt toxin to control corn rootworm, then the refuge needed to be within the same field or immediately adjacent to the Bt field. Immediately adjacent to

Storing Diplodia Ear Rot-Affected Corn

Paul Vincelli, Plant PathologyDiplodia ear rot (DER) is being reported rather widely this year. Questions have arisen about storage of DER-affected corn. The fungus that causes DER won’t develop further if moisture content is below the normal target of 15.5%. However, rotted kernels are damaged kernels, and since the grain integrity is compromised, other fungi more tolerant of low moisture

Stalk Strength Reminder

Paul Vincelli, Plant PathologyCorn fields in the many areas that experienced wet, overcast, soggy weather since the last issue of Kentucky Pest News for the most part remain unharvested. Weather conditions generally, and the widespread occurrence of southern corn rust, conspire to make this a season with increased risk for stalk rots.Be sure to scout fields for stalk strength. Scouting will help

Soybean Maturity and Fall Freeze Dates

Dr. Don Hershman released a Soybean Rust Spray Advisory for the western half of Kentucky (I-65 and west) this morning. If soybeans are at R4 (full pod) to R5 (beginning seed) then they are at risk of losing yield from soybean rust. Soybeans at R4 or R5 are also at risk to lose yield from another factor - freeze.The median first freeze dates (32 degrees Farhenheit) for most of western Kentucky are

Soybean Rust Update and Spray Advisory for Selected Fields

NOTE: This SBR update is directed to KENTUCKY SOYBEAN PRODUCERS. If you live in another state, read what I say, below, with the extreme sensitivity that what I am writing may not (and probably does not) apply to you. I encourage you to find out what is being said by the Extension Plant Pathologist your state by going to www.sbrusa.net. On Friday of last week we found soybean rust in Ballard

Soybean Aphid Remain Active, Mexican Bean Beetle Appears

I continue to receive reports of Soybean Aphid (SA) populations at or near threshold level. In Addition, there are larger populations being reported but on more mature beans. Those interested in soybean production are reminded that historically SA populations reach their greatest size in September. This is not new. What may be different in 2009 is a larger proportion of later planted soybeans (

Harvest Wet and Dry the Grain

Harvest corn wet and plan to dry it in the bin. The delayed maturity, cooler temperatures and wet weather will make field-drying very difficult this season. In addition, ears are heavy (a good thing) but waiting a long time for field-drying increases the chances for those heavy ears to pull stalks over. The wet conditions also provide a favorable envrionment for stalk rots and progession of ear

The Price of Food

We will not use this site for opinions on a regular basis. However, the issue addressed herein seems to be picking up steam, and I thought it was time to venture away from "planting dates and seeding rates" and respond to the issue. The following are the opinions of Chad Lee and not necessarily those of the University of Kentucky or the Cooperative Extension Service. We will get back to "planting

Soybean Aphid & Other Insects in Double-Crop Soybeans

I have received several reports and questions from Extension agents, consultants and company reps concerning near economic threshold populations of Soybean Aphid (SA). Fortunately, all of these fields so far are in R6 or later stages. However, in addition a number of these reports included the observation that there are many other fields that are still in the R3 to R5 stages. These earlier stage

Yield Contests for Corn and Soybean

The corn and soybean yield contest forms are now available online at the Grain Crops Extension website and the Kentucky Yield Contest Site.Both of these contests are opereated through the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service and funded by the Kentucky Corn Growers Association, the Kentucky Soybean Board and agricultural industry.Rules and guidelines are very similar to the 2008

Observations on Corn Diseases

Observations of Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist, University of Kentucky as of August 21, 2009.I (Paul Vincelli) just returned from a trip inspecting corn diseases through western Kentucky as far west as the Mississippi River, and here is a quick summary and comments.1. Southern rust is prevalent in Kentucky, having been found in Fayette County and every western Kentucky field inspected

Late Season Pests in Corn and Soybean

Many late season pests are showing up in corn and soybean fields. The latest Kentucky Pest News contains articles on the following topics:CORN-Diplodia Ear Rot and Hybrid Trials-Reasons to Scout Late-Planted Corn in 2009-Fall Armyworm Reports in KentuckySOYBEAN-Late Breaking - Fall Armyworm on Soybean Making Impressive Appearance in Nearby Southern States!-Late Season Soybean PestsClick here to

Wheat Head Scab and Options for the Next Crop

Head scab (or Fusarium head blight) was a major problem across Kentucky in 2009. As farmers prepare for the 2009-2010 wheat crop, there are some things they can do.The latest Wheat Science newsletter addresses some of the lessons about wheat and head scab in 2009. Options for seed wheat are also considered. The pdf file is available at: http://www.ca.uky.edu/ukrec/newsltrs/News09-3.pdfThe

Late Breaking--- Fall armyworm on soybean making impressive appearance in nearby southern states!

Reports from Extension Entomologists in Tennessee and Arkansas indicate that fall armyworm (FAW) populations in soybean are building up earlier and in larger numbers than normal. In Arkansas fields are being treated for a combination of FAWs and Corn earworm (CEW). In Tennessee the populations do not appear to be as widespread but some fields were in need of treatment. We can have this

SDS Severe in Many Soybean Fields and Rare Occurrence of White Mold

Probably due to the excessive soil moisture and cool July temperatures, soybean sudden death syndrome (SDS) is as widespread and severe as it has been in 20 years. The disease is actually caused by a Fusarium fungus that infects and rots the roots. The fungus then produces as plant toxin that results in foliar symptoms, especially interveinal yellowing and death, and severe defoliation and pod

Making the final decision on which farms to enroll in the optional ACRE program

Today, August 12, 2009, the USDA released its Crop Production report. The report indicates increased corn and soybean production over last year, mainly due to production increases caused by good growing conditions. According to the Crop Production report, corn yields are expected to average 159.5 bushels per acre, the second highest yield on record. The USDA also revised planted acreage in this

Corn and Soybeans Slightly Ahead of 2008

The latest USDA Crop and Weather Report for Kentucky indicates that the corn and soybean crop is progressing even with the cooler temperatures experienced in July. With the late plantings and cool July temperatures, most of us think that the corn and soybean crops are behind.However, the report says that for corn, 20% is at dent compared with only 16% a year ago and 34% for the 5-year average.

Chances of an ACRE Payment for Corn, Soybeans, and Wheat

2009/2010 ACRE payments will depend highly upon prices during the upcomming corn and soybean crop year - September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2010 and during current wheat crop year June 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010. Using current price and yield information it looks like the chances of receiving ACRE payments are highest for wheat, then corn, and lowest for soybeans. A short article using different

The enrollment deadline for the optional Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program is fast approaching. The Pennyroyal Farm Analysis Group and the University of Kentucky have released a newsletter updating producers on how the optional ACRE program works and the 09 wheat situation relationship with ACRE. You can view the newsletter at: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agecon/index.php?p=110 and clicking

Yellow Soybeans and Soil Compaction

Image 1: Yellow soybeans in this field are the result of sidewall compaction.The spring rush of planting is catching up to the soybean crop in some fields. Surface compaction and sidewall compaction was most likely caused by planting when fields were a little too wet. The compacted soil has restricted root growth on soybeans. Until now, there has been enough water to keep most nutrients within

Soybean Aphid: Numbers are on the rise in Central Kentucky… At least a little!

Over the previous week we have seen an increase in the number of locations reporting the presence of soybean aphid (SA), and in one case a substantial increase in the number of reported aphids per plant. Neither of these finds is unexpected, nor do they indicate an immediate problem but they do illustrate that pest numbers are increasing slowly.This is typical for SA in Kentucky. Experience has

Worrying about Small Soybeans

Some farmers are concerned that the smaller growth of soybeans could result in reduced yields. Some are questioning the use of foliar fertilizers and/or fungicides to help make up the difference. Soybeans were planted late across most of the state. According to the latest Crop and Weather Report from NASS, soybean flowering is at 35%, behind the five-year average of 47%. Most farmers' "internal

New Wheat Publications

The Small Grains Variety Trials for 2009 is available at: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/pr/pr586/pr586.pdfThe Wheat Guide (ID-125) has been completely updated with new content, photos and format and is available at: http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id125/id125.htm The Kentucky Small Grain Growers sponsored the updated version and is partly funding the printing of copies.Printed copies of both

Current Status of Soybean Rust

The current soybean rust distribution in the US has changed very little in the last month. Currently, the disease is found in a very small number of soybean sentinel plots in Florida, Louisiana, and Alabama. It is also found on kudzu in those states plus Georgia and Texas. The main difference between the present SBR distribution compared to the same date a year ago is the presence of SBR in

First Soybean Aphid for 2009 Collected

The first soybean aphid (presumed) for the 2009 season in Kentucky has been collected. A singe juvenile aphid was found on a leaflet from our “100 leaf” sample from the Henderson Co. sentinel site. Not much of a find perhaps, but it does let us know that the Soybean aphid is in Kentucky. The aphid is presumed to be a soybean aphid because only a single very young juvenile was collected and these

How ACRE will Calculate the Average State Yield Per Planted Acre.

I had a question on how the ACRE program will calculate the average yield per planted acre for Kentucky. The ACRE program will use yields provided by the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS). However, the calculation for yield per planted acre used by the Farm Service Agency (FSA) will be a little different than how NASS defines yield per planted acre. The FSA defined yield per

June 30 NASS-USDA Acreage and Grain Stocks Reports

Today, June 30, 2009, the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture released its annual Acreage and Grain Stocks reports. These reports provide useful information about planted acreage and amounts of grain in inventory. The acreage report indicates planted corn acreage is up one percent from 2008 to an estimated 87 million acres. Besides 2007 this is

Update on Soybean Aphid

Soybean aphid has been showing up in the upper mid-west for several weeks. This pest can be a big problem in soybean production, but has not historically been so in Kentucky. We hope, and in the short run expect, that this will remain the same, at least for 2009. It is however, important to remember that this pest can and does infest Kentucky grown soybeans. If its' biology and/or short term

Nutrient Deficiencies

Last week, I posted an image of a corn plant and said that it was possibly deficient in Mn. Dr. John Grove quickly met me with some corn plants with similar symptoms: yellow or chlorosis between the veins and green along the veins. Image of those plants are below. 0 lbs of N/acre 67 lbs of N/acre applied preplant 133 lbs of N/acre applied preplant 200 lbs of N/acre applied preplant Corn plants

Corn, Late Planting and Management

Photo: Possible Mn defiency in corn, which is most likely due to weather and not lack of Mn in the soil. Believe it or not, corn has emerged on 96% of the acres in Kentucky which is right in line with the five-year average, according to the Kentucky Crop and Weather Report. While emergence is on track, planting was not, and management decisions need to be adjusted. Preplant nitrogen fertilizer

Wheat and Barley Yield Contests

Harvest forms and rules for the Wheat and Barley yield contests are available at:http://www.uky.edu/Ag/GrainCrops/YieldContest/YieldContests.htmThe barley contest is new this year and is being administered by the University of Kentucky, but is fully sponsored through Osage BioEnergy, a company interested in turning barley into fuel ethanol.The wheat yield contest is administered by the University

Planting Soybeans Late and Target Populations

The USDA Crop Progress and Condition Report for June 7, 2009 indicates that soybeans planting is 48% completed, well below the 5-year average of 71%. About 32% of the soybean plants had emerged.Normally, for full season soybeans, we suggest that a final stand of 100,000 plants per acre is sufficient for maximum yield. However, we are getting later into the season. For full season soybeans planted

Head Scab Newsletter

The Wheat Science IPM Group Newsletter was released on June 4, 2009 with the latest information for mangaing wheat with Fusarium head blight (or head scab) this season.The newsletter is available as a pdf at: https://www.ca.uky.edu/ukrec/newsltrs/News09-FHB.pdf

First Find of Soybean Rust on Soybean for 2009

Hello Everyone,A recent report from Dr. Clayton Hollier with Louisiana State University (LSU) documented the first find of soybean rust (SBR) on soybean in Louisiana and the U.S. for 2009. The find was in a soybean sentinel plot at the R4 (mid-pod) stage. That is a fairly early stage for a first find of SBR and it is cause for some concern (but NOT alarm). Usually, the first find of SBR in

Marketing Winter Wheat

Wheat producers may be asking themselves if they should store or deliver wheat and if they store should they forward price or not. Currently, the wheat futures contract at the Chicago Board of Trade is offering a large positive carry (the difference in price between two futures contracts) for storing wheat from now into the fall. The gross return between July and December futures is 53 cents

Storing Wheat

Proper prior planning! This is the essence. Let there be no doubt that preventing a problem in stored wheat is by far more effective and economically sound than solving a problem that could have been prevented.

Prepare bins two weeks ahead of time.

Insure your bins are in good repair. Even small holes will allow insect entry. Be sure the roof does not leak!

Do not store with carryover grain.

Wheat Crop Condition Declining Due to Disease

Considerably more head scab (FHB) has appeared this week across KY. The wet May we have just experienced has apparently provided for multiple infection periods and an extended window for symptom expression. A properly timed and sprayed fungicide application appears to have made a significant difference in FHB compared to where fields were not sprayed. But it would be unreasonable to think the

Soybean Market

Since the first week of March new-crop soybeans (November 2009 futures) have gained about $2.40 per bushel. There are a number of factors pushing soybeans higher. First, the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies has been steadily declining since March, thereby making U.S. products more appealing to foreign nations. China has shown strong interest in purchasing U.S. old-crop

Corn Crop Planting Progress

According to the USDA's latest Crop Progress report, released today, 62 percent of the corn has been planted. This is less the same time last year when we were at 70 percent and less than the five-year average of 85 percent. For Kentucky, 45 percent of the corn has been planted compared to 39 percent this time last year and to 89 percent for the five-year average.Planting delays due to excess

Flooded Corn

Chad Lee, Extension AgronomistDept. of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckyAcross Kentucky there are some fields of corn that have been flooded.Generally, if soil temperatures are above 70 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours, then corn will not survive. Usually the status of the corn crop will be known about two or three days after the flood event.Much more details about flooded

Wheat Disease Update

Up to this point in the season, wheat diseases have been relatively minimal. Early-season soil-borne viruses were not a significant problem, and all indications are that arthropod (insect/mite) –vectored viruses will also be minor players this year. Other foliar fungal diseases, such as those that make up the leaf blotch complex; leaf, stripe, and stem rust; and powdery mildew have also been

Soybean Rust Update

This is the first year that soybean rust (SBR) has successfully overwintered in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, without a break in detection. Weather conditions have been favorable to highly favorable for SBR development in those states, plus Arkansas, Florida, and Mississippi for much of this spring. There has been some new SBR activity in Florida and disease incidence is increasing on Kudzu in

Some things to consider when planting corn in May

Jim Herbek and Chad Lee, Extension Agronomists, University of KentuckyThe following was taken from the most recent Corn and Soybean Newsletter on corn planting dates.Use a corn hybrid with the Bt trait for corn borer. University of Kentucky research shows a yield benefit and an economic benefit to Bt corn borer hybrids planted in May. The later the planting date, the greater the yield benefit for

FHB Risk, May 7, 2009

An email from Don Hershman had the following image. The image is from the FHB Risk Assessment Tool at Penn State. http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/riskTool_2009.htmlMuch of the wheat-growing area is in red or yellow, meaning that we have high to medium risk for FHB, according to the model.See Don's post from May 6, 2009 for more details about head scab and management options.

Armyworm Flight 2009: No consistent story; but there will be caterpillars!

Doug Johnson, Extension EntomologistDept. of Entomology, University of KentuckyEarly captures of armyworm moths appeared to indicate a larger than normal population for 2009. However, after several weeks of monitoring it appears that the capture counts do not indicate an obvious major outbreak situation. This is particularly true of the Princeton, KY trap. We do not yet have enough historic data

FHB May Be Severe in Kentucky this Year

Wheat across central and west Kentucky (which makes up the bulk of the wheat acres in the state) has been in various stanges of flowering since early last week. Many fields are currently at full anthesis or slightly beyond.As we all know, it has rained a lot over the past 5-8 days across much of the state. This wet weather, as well as temperature and humidty conditions, have resulted in a

Current Status of Fusarium Head Blight

Low temperatures and breaks between rain events (up until this past event) have kept the FHB predictive model from indicating even moderate FHB risk (up until now). The block of rain we have just experienced has changed that, so the FHB models are now showing moderate to high risk for spore release in much of central and west KY. I believe conditions will be ripe for spore release beginning

Late Corn Planting Usually Results in Faster Corn Development

Chad Lee, Grain Crops ExtensionPlant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckyCorn planting in May will germinate, emerge, grow and develop in warmer temperatures compared to corn planted in April. Two critical stages of growth for early season management of corn are at growth stage V6 and V8. The growing point normally moves above ground on V6 corn (corn with six visible collars). If possible, N

Fertility Considerations/Strategies for Late Planted Corn

Lloyd Murdock and Greg Schwab, Extension Soils Specialists and John Grove, Soils ResearchPlant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckyAt this late stage in the season, priorities should be on planting the corn crop, first, then applying needed fertilizers after planting. Fertilization after the crop is planted is not yield-reducing and, in some cases, can actually cause nitrogen (N)

Avoiding Sidewall Compacting During Late Corn Planting

Lloyd Murdock, Extension Soils SpecialistPlant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckySidewall compaction can result from planting a crop when the soil is a little too wet. This damaging effect can be even greater on soils with a relatively high clay content at the surface. It occurs when the double disc opener leaves the side wall of the planting furrow smooth and compacted (slick as opposed

Increased Risk of Foliar Diseases in Late-Planted Corn

Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant PathologistPlant Pathology, University of KentuckyRainfall patterns have delayed corn planting throughout much of the state. Late planting increases the risk of damaging levels of certain foliar diseases, particularly gray leaf spot, southern leaf blight, and northern leaf blight.Several factors can contribute to this increased risk: When there is a mix of fields

Planting Dates Affect Corn Insect Management

Ric Bessin, Extension EntomologistEntomology, University of KentuckyPlanting date is one of the more important factors determining the potential for insect problems in field corn. Many may not realize it, but the time at which the seed goes into the ground determines which insect pests are more likely to be encountered. Some pests are favored by early planting dates while others are more likely

Corn Planting Date Effect on Yields

Jim Herbek and Chad Lee, Extension AgronomistsPlant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckyThis article and others about late-planted corn can be found at the Corn and Soybean Newsletter.Wet weather since late March has delayed corn planting. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, only 20% of intended corn acreage was planted in Kentucky as of April 26 compared to the 5-year

Avoiding Anhydrous Ammonia Seedling Injury

Greg Schwab, Extension Soil SpecialistPlant and Soil Sciences, University of KentuckyThe extremely wet spring experienced over much of Kentucky has delayed anhydrous ammonia applications. When the soil finally is dry enough for field work to begin, corn producers likely will not be willing to further delay planting to allow anhydrous ammonia applications to become safe. The standard

Soybean Cyst Nematode Website is Now Available for Your Viewing Pleasure

The URL for the new UK Soybean Cyst Nematode Website is www.uky.edu/SCN. Check it out!

Latest Corn and Soybean Newsletter

The latest corn and soybean newsletter is available online at: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CornSoy/cornsoy9_3.htmTopics in this newsletter include:1. Gypsum2. Enough Insect Control3. Corn Seed Rates4. Soybean Seed Rates5. ACRE Online Calculator6. PaperlessA new feature for the online version: the html is now printer-friendly. A pdf file was also created.

Updated Wheat Scab Risk Management Tool

Our colleague, Don Hershman, said that the Fusarium Head Blight (Head scab) Risk Management Tool has been updated and is available at: http://www.wheatscab.psu.edu/riskTool_2009.htmlThe tool provides a general risk level for wheat in a given area.Once into the tool, identify what date you want to select (such as today).Then identify the wheat model (spring wheat or winter wheat).Finally, select

New Soybean Cyst Nematode webpage nearly complete

In order to successfully manage soybean cyst nematode (SCN), growers must become familiar with current trends for the pest, as well as have access to the best available management information. There is currently a tremendous amount of information available on the internet regarding SCN. In fact, there is so much information, that it is very difficult to know which information is the best and most

When is Enough Insect Control Enough in Seedling Corn

Ric Bessin, Extension Entomology, University of KentuckySo you have a Bt corn hybrid and the seed is treated with a systemic insecticide, do you need to worry about insect pests? Well, the answer is … probably not, but there are some pests and / or situations that can cause some problems. Getting a uniform plant stand with uniform vigor is one of the first steps to reaching the yield potential of

Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program

In the 2008 Farm Bill the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released a new provision called Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program. Beginning with the 2009 crop yearproducers will have the choice, before or on August 14, whether or not to enroll in the ACRE program. Selecting to participate is made by farm number (hereafter referred to as a “farm”) and everyone involved (i.e.

Freezing Temperatures and Wheat

Chad Lee and James Herbek, Grain Crops Extension, University of KentuckyApril 8, 2009Freezing temperatures occured April 7, 2009 across parts of Kentucky. More freezing temperatures are expected tonight. Wheat in many fields is close to jointing, if not slightly past. Temperatures need to approach 24 degrees F or less before severe damage occurs on wheat that is jointed.After about five to seven

Trial Run

There has been some interest in creating a blog as another means of getting timely information to county extension agents, producers, field scouts, agribusiness personnel and others that have an interest in grain crops production in Kentucky.Farmers are still getting spring fertilizer applied, spraying burndown herbicides and planting corn where field conditions and weather permit. Markets are