Crop Report
Cover crops and winter wheat have tripled in size over the past three weeks at our Macon County demonstration site, and beneficial insects are beginning to make their spring appearance. Field activity also is picking up in the area, with planters rolling and sprayers operating in fields I passed.
80°F and sunny
Planting and herbicide applications.
Feekes 7-8
It was a ladybug party in the cover crop plot! I observed pink spotted lady beetles, convergent lady beetles and Asian lady beetles while collecting cover crop biomass in the field. All of these species are considered beneficial, as they feed on aphids that can damage crops and ornamental plants.
Field pennycress, yellow rocket and dandelions.
Since March 31, cereal rye has grown roughly 5 inches per week and winter barley about 4 inches per week in this plot as recent rainfall has helped pull us out of drought conditions. At this point, early termination is unlikely to be necessary, as soil moisture is not a concern in this part of the state. However, keep an eye on rapid growth to ensure cereal rye does not get away from you in the coming weeks.
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