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.
Is It PPO Damage?
In 2024, weather conditions have shifted from ideal in March to cool and wet from April into May, raising concerns about herbicide applications, seedling diseases, and emergence issues. IL Soy Envoy, Eric Beckett, CCA, focuses on the use of PPO inhibitors which are crucial for preemergence weed control but may raise some alarms of unsightly-looking soybeans as they emerge and begin to grow.
May Weather Update: Heavy Rains and a Slow Start
Matt Reardon from Nutrien Ag provides a May weather update, highlighting the frequent rainfall in Illinois that has increased soil moisture and alleviated drought concerns. He also discusses the long-range forecast, indicating the potential for continued wet conditions through the end of May and a warmer, stormy summer ahead.
It MAY Be Time to Evaluate Soybean Populations
As planting season moves through May, IL Soy Envoy Shelby Weckel says it's time to reassess soybean populations. She explains why farmers should increase soybean populations and other key management factors to consider.
Wet Spring Weather and Nitrogen Loss Revisited
With May's rainfall continuing following a wetter-than-usual April, concerns regarding nitrogen (N) losses are on the rise. In this farmdoc article, Giovani Preza Fontes and Emerson Nafziger talk about the concern of how much N will be available for the 2024 corn crop and determining the optimal timing for additional N application.
Participating in ISA’s Mentorship Program: Exploring Compeer Financial and Beyond
During its pilot year, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) collaborated with Illinois Central College to introduce "Growing Careers in Ag," a mentorship program tailored to community college students. Anna Alexander shares her journey within the program and reflects on the the information she learned through the program.
Switching Gears: Time to Focus on Planting Corn
Amidst planting delays, farmers are questioning whether to prioritize planting soybeans or corn. As mid-May approaches, agronomists and university researchers are advising farmers to place their focus on planting corn before soybeans.
Planting Progress: Don’t Hit the Panic Button Yet!
Tune in to hear the Soy Envoys provide the latest field updates in this episode, where they discuss the sporadic planting progress and share their top concerns. From herbicide application to emerging pests and prevent planting, stay informed on the pressing agronomic issues impacting farmers.
You Think Your Soy Has the Blight: Now What?
In this blog, Stephanie Porter, CCA, of Illinois Soybean Association, explores the deeper issue of soybean seedling blight and urges farmers to consider the underlying causes and how to manage it.
Spring Moth Trapping Update
Kelly Estes of the IL Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey Program provides an overview of spring moth trap results and forecasts for the upcoming weeks.


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