The Rising Costs of Soybean Production in Illinois
Since 2000, the direct costs associated with soybean production in central Illinois have increased at an average annual rate of 5.4%. The costs associated with primary inputs have grown at average annual rates slightly above the total direct cost average, while other direct costs have increased at average annual rates slightly below the direct cost average.
November Weather Outlook: Temperature Swings, Winter Forecast, and Monitoring Brazil’s Soybean Season
When will it rain again? How about snow? ...Maybe not anytime soon. Matt Reardon shares a warmer weather forecast for Illinois and discusses the influence of El Nino on the winter outlook. He also highlights the weather forecast for Brazil and its implications for the ongoing soybean growing season.
Chronicles of Red Crown Rot: Part 1
Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Outreach Agronomist, Stephanie Porter, CCA, recounts a visit to a soybean farm in Pike County plagued by red crown rot for the past five years. She shares historical information on the disease and how the ISA Agronomy team is actively engaging with plant pathologists, consultants, and researchers to explore current research and management strategies for red crown rot.
A Silent Threat: The Growing Concern of SCN in Soybean Fields
Soybean cyst nematode remains a critical threat to soybean yields, with populations adapting to the predominant source of resistance. The problem is intensifying and farmers are encouraged to monitor SCN and consider diversified management strategies.
Should I Rely on Residuals? Plus White Mold Concerns, Soil Fertility Recommendations, Harvest Reports, and More
Is the finish in sight? A new podcast episode delivers a harvest and yield report while also discussing white mold concerns, soil testing, and not discounting the use of residual herbicides. Tune in!
Illinois Farmers: Take Advantage of Free Nematode Testing Program
Illinois farmers can now get free testing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), saving them potentially hundreds of dollars. This initiative, led by the Illinois Soybean Association and the University of Illinois, aims to encourage more farmers to sample their fields to assess SCN populations as this pest has developed resistance over the years.
Sudden Death Syndrome Still Exists
The desire for straightforward answers is common; however, this year, in particular, we've seen how various factors in the field can interconnect and contribute to diseases. ISA Outreach Agronomist & CCA, Stephanie Porter, encourages growers to follow this 10-step process to thoroughly assess situations in your soybean fields.
Exploring Cover Crops as a SCN Management Tool
Soybean cyst nematode poses a significant threat to soybean yields, and despite previous management successes, it has adapted to resistance. Researchers, supported by the Illinois Soybean Association, are investigating the potential of cover crops as a tool to mitigate SCN damage.
How Cover Crops Impact Soybean Growth and Development
Researchers around the state are continuing to study and learn about the impact of cover crops on soybean growth and development and grain yield. Read observations from three experts and their assessments from this season and questions they are asking themselves in preparation for the 2024 growing season.
Impact of Cover Crops on SCN
As cover crops gain popularity in crop rotations, the question arises: Do they aid or potentially host soybean cyst nematode (SCN)? Dr. Mandy Bish from the University of Missouri Extension examines strip-trial data, particularly regarding cereal rye, which shows no significant enhancement of SCN populations. However, the impact of legume cover crops on SCN remains an area of concern.
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