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.
Rainfall…And Replant?
In this episode, the Soy Envoys provide an overview of recent rainfall across various regions of Illinois with reports ranging from ½ inch to 5 inches. They discuss emerging concerns such as replant considerations for soybeans, disease in wheat fields, and seedling diseases. Looking ahead, they advise on re-planting decisions and caution against making major switches in crop too soon.
IDOA Updates “Frequently Ask Questions” for Dicamba Use in Soybean for 2024
The Illinois Department of Agriculture released a "Frequently Asked Questions" document outlining the specifics regarding dicamba use in soybean for the 2024 season. This comprehensive document addresses key dates, policies, restrictions, and more.
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.
EPA Publishes Update on Herbicide Strategy Progress
The EPA issued an update on the Herbicide Strategy, including more options for conservation measures and improved mapping to identify areas requiring practices. By using four tiers to describe mitigation effectiveness, the EPA aims to reduce the areas mandating specific conservation practices. The agency plans to release the complete strategy by August 30th.
What on Earth(worm) Are Those Brown Things?
Stephanie Porter shares more about identifying earthworm egg cocoons, emphasizing their role in soil health. She explains how lack of earthworms in a field doesn't always signify poor soil quality, and factors like soil type, pH, and moisture levels impact earthworm populations in agricultural fields.
Illinois Dicamba Label and Recordkeeping
As the 2024 growing season begins in Illinois, the Illinois Fertilizer & Chemical Association (IFCA) reminds applicators that the dicamba use restrictions mandated by the Illinois Department of Agriculture remain unchanged from those in 2023. Annual dicamba label training remains a prerequisite before applying dicamba over-the-top of soybeans.
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