Agronomy

Plant in late summer, for fall 2019 harvest, which will produce good to very good yield potential. New ProfitMAX is a new mixture Seedway is offering consisting of a Forage Oat and Survivor Winter Peas. Survivor Winter Peas has more winter hardiness than Austrian Winter Pea so it will grow longer into the season for increased yields and nitrogen fixation. ProfitMAX can be planted in late July or early August for a fall forage crop. ProfitMAX can be very productive as small grains grow very aggressively in the fall.

Overall this spring has been difficult on farmers to say the least. The inclement weather this spring permitted most farmers from turning dirt into late June. Not only do the farmers have to combat with the weather this year, but the insect pressures are causing even more issues in the field. Many growers have reported black cutworm present in corn fields across the northeast. While the degree of impact has varied, the presence of cutworms is undeniable.

Bur cucumber is part of the Cucurbitaceae or melon family. The leaves are close to circular in shape with 3 to 5 lobes. This plant produces both male and female flowers throughout the summer and dies at the first frost. The fruits produced are yellow in color, covered with prickly bristles, and are found in clusters of 3 to 10. Bur cucumber is normally found in damp soils, along wetlands, roadsides, or fence lines but recently have been found causing problems in agricultural fields, especially in no-till situations.

Corn kernel sprouting, also known as “Vivipary”, is the premature germination of kernels while still on the cob. Vivipary is not a common problem but it is alarming enough that growers may become concerned. This occurs when the kernels are close to or have already reached black layer stage and are drier than 20 percent grain moisture. The combination of ears being upright, husks falling away from the ear, and warm wet weather can cause premature sprouting.

With the hot dry weather we have been having, spider mites are beginning to become an issue. The two-spotted spider mites are usually more prevalent in areas of heavier drought stress. We have begun to get more rain which will deter the mites slightly, but they may have already laid eggs on the plants.

As can happen thanks to mother natures ways, 2018 has started as a challenge in a few areas and now in season plantings are being delayed. Coupling that with lower than normal temperatures in those same areas, some crops are looking weak. There is talk of a higher than normal replant on corn and beans in the mid-west and expecting the same for our Pennsylvania neck of the woods.