Agronomy News

Several alfalfa stands in the Northeast have shown signs of insect feeding on the leaves. Some farmers noticed that their fields were beginning to look brown, and showing little or no signs of regrowth following first cutting. After scouting the fields, it was easy to determine the presence of alfalfa weevil and some heavy feeding on the alfalfa stands which were causing setbacks in regrowth.

As we begin to get crops in the ground and start to keep a closer eye on the fields, it is best to keep in mind the early season pests that might present themselves. Scouting fields early in the season is key to ensuring healthy stands, here are a few pests to keep an eye out for that may impact overall stands.

Early season planting of soybeans has become more popular as the spring weather becomes more welcoming. When evaluating or not early planting will pay off, there are a few things that should be considered.

Growers across the region have made comments of their combines being covered in “black dust” while harvesting their corn fields. It wasn’t until the second half of October, when the rains began to set in, that these observations started to arise.

It seems that many fields across the country have been experiencing ear drop issues. Recognizing that it is not an issue with any one brand or variety, specifically is important. Collectively across brands, there have been issues with ears on the ground prior to or during harvest. This not only indicates yield loss and causes unneeded frustration, but it could lead to unwanted volunteer corn in the field next year.

New for 2020 SEEDWAY entered the Farmers Independent Research of Seed Technologies (F.I.R.S.T) Variety Trials to see how our silage hybrids stacked up against the competition and we were not disappointed! Tested in 3 replicates at 4 locations for 2 independent regions, F.I.R.S.T silage trials provide yield and quality for many seed companies within the region.

Concerned About Prussic Acid Potentials This Fall? Follow These Guidelines From Scott Rushe, SEEDWAY Forage Market Development Manager

Recently, soybean fields around the Northeast have finally seen some much-needed rain. Many fields entered a long period of little to no rainfall after the seed entered the ground. Once the plants emerged, the only real stressors we encountered were due to the droughty conditions. However, after the last few weeks of warm, wet weather, disease presence in soybean fields has become evident.

As the summer heat and dry conditions continue throughout the Northeast drought stress can have an impact on your summer annual crop. Here are a few management tips to consider.

As we move into spring and early summer with green pastures ahead, cattle will begin to get a fair amount of their nutrients from these forage diets. Depending on the pasture makeup and maturity, there is potential that the diet provided is not balanced in a manner to allow efficient production of milk and meat.