Should You Apply a Fungicide?
Halfway through the growing season, many farmers are debating fungicide application despite low commodity prices. What do our IL Soy Envoys and Certified Crop Advisers think? Tune in for their latest crop updates, Hurricane Beryl rainfall reports, Illinois record crop predictions, and more!
Weed Management in Double Crop Soybeans
Double the crop, half the weed control – that’s part of the allure of following wheat harvest with a second planting of soybeans. However, this approach involves different weed spectrums, residual herbicide timing decisions, and spray cut-off dates to consider.
Understanding Surfactants: A Key Partner for Effective Weed Control
Herbicides require specific surfactants to achieve optimal performance. Why does this matter? In this blog, IL Soy Envoy Karen Corrigan explains how the right surfactant can enhance an herbicide's effectiveness in controlling targeted weeds. Using the correct surfactant can prevent many herbicide failures.
Understanding the Crop Injury Risks of PRE Herbicides in Early-Planted Soybeans
As farmers continue to plant soybeans earlier, there are concerns about preemergence (PRE) herbicide injury to emerging seedlings. Supported by the Illinois Soybean Association, the University of Illinois Crop Sciences department is evaluating different PRE herbicides on early-planted soybeans to give farmers access to crop injury ratings for better weed management decisions.
Post Dicamba June 12th Cutoff & 85 Degree Temperature Reminder
The application cutoff date for dicamba use over-the-top of soybeans is June 12th, and the projected forecast for much of the state shows elevated temperatures for the week. IFCA understands the pressure ag retailer members face to control weeds with available crop protection products, but violations of the cut-off date, temperature restriction, or recordkeeping requirements will be considered willful violations of the Illinois Pesticide Act, so it is crucial to discuss label requirements with customers to ensure compliance.
Crop Scouting During the Awkward Junior High Stage
In a "normal" year, Stephanie Porter's focus would be on scouting V7 corn and R1 soybeans. However, with corn planted at varying intervals this year, it's essential to approach each field with a different mindset. Read on to see her photos and observations from the field.
How Widespread is Group 15 Herbicide Resistance in Illinois Waterhemp Populations?
Illinois soybean farmers face a major challenge as waterhemp weeds have developed resistance to multiple herbicides, including Group 15 herbicides confirmed in 2019. A project funded by the Illinois Soybean Association and led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign aims to evaluate the prevalence of this resistance and provide farmers with management recommendations.
Contributors Needed for Weed Mapping Project
Scientists are working to track troublesome weeds across the country by creating and updating weed distribution maps. They are seeking help from crop consultants, agronomists, and weed scientists for this project.
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.
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