Iowa reports first in-field resistance to Bt corn
The first documented case of in-field resistance to Bt corn targeting rootworms has been confirmed recently in Iowa. Aaron Gassman, Iowa State University entomologist, and other researchers had received multiple reports of high damage to Bt corn in northeastern Iowa. Full story.
Tight potash supplies lead to record profits
Strong demand for potash fertilizer is leading to record profits for three of the world’s largest fertilizer companies — Agrium Ltd., Potash Corp. of Saskatchewan and Mosaic Company. Full story. Debt deal enacted, final ag cuts unknown yet
Leaders in Congress and the Obama administration struck a deal last week to avert a government debt default, but how exactly the agreement’s spending cuts will affect agricultural programs won’t be known for a number of months. Full story. Corn yields headed for 5-year low, some say
U.S. farmers may see their lowest corn yields in five years, according to some analyst estimates, after extreme Midwest heat in recent weeks hit crops during the crucial pollination stage. Full story. Prioritize harvest based on stalk rot
It's not a question of if stalk rot will be an issue this year, says Matt Hubsch, lead agronomist for Legend Seeds. Full story.
Doane tour provides corn production estimate
Doane economists traveled the Corn Belt between July 25 and August 2 assessing the corn and soybean crops. This is Doane's annual effort to determine the production potential ahead of USDA’s August 11 Crop Production report. Full story. WeatherBill: Insurance for 2012 winter wheat
WeatherBill, a leading provider of weather insurance, announced the launch of the first full-season weather insurance program for U.S. winter wheat growers. Full story. Slow climate change by cutting other gases
A new study, conducted by NOAA scientists and published online Friday in Nature, shows that cutting emissions of other greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide could slow changes in climate that are expected in the future. Full story. How high heat disrupts corn pollination
The impacts of prolonged extreme heat and lack of rain on corn pollination is discussed from a University of Nebraska specialist. Full story.  BIG PICTURE
By Doane EconomistUSDA released a new Crop Progress report on Monday, August 1. Corn condition ratings were unchanged from last week at 62% good to excellent. Corn silking jumped to 83% from 65% the previous week and just below the average pace of 84%. .The percentage of the corn crop in the dough stage hit 18% compared to 9% the previous week and the five-year average of 23%. USDA reported that 4% of the crop was dented, 1 points behind the average pace of 5%. Soybeans are reported at 34% setting pods, compared to 16% last week and a 45% average. Soybean conditions have declined 2 points each the past three weeks and at 60% good to excellent is right on the ten-year average. Winter wheat harvested was reported at 81% versus the average pace of 86%. Spring wheat condition ratings fell to 70% good to excellent from 74% the previous week. However, spring wheat conditions remains well above the ten-year for this time of year of 60%.
MAGIE 2011 - Featured Products
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Enviropac Inc.
Enviropac Inc. is a major supplier of products to the fertilizer industry — providing products and services for more than 15 years. Products include storage tanks, seed treaters, containment systems and Enviro-Coat Rust Resister. Read more.
Stueve Construction Company
Stueve Construction Company has been an industry leader for 50+ years in the construction of dry fertilizer storage facilities, our "sole" business focus (unlike others) has been specializing in the construction of new plants, additions and remodeling of existing plants. Read more.
For more, visit the MAGIE 2011 Product Showcase.
Crop Fertility Resource Center
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Considerations for late season UAN applications
When deciding to make any late-season, rescue application of nitrogen (N), you will need to evaluate your N management program relative to the potential for N losses. Full story.
For more, visit the Crop Fertility Resource Center.
Soybean aphid numbers creep up
Illinois wheat variety test results available
The Illinois wheat crop in 2011 rebounded nicely from the low acreage and mediocre yields of 2010, with tripling of seeded acreage to 760,000, and an average yield of 61 bushels per acre, up from 56 in 2010. Full story.
For more, visit the Wheat Resource Center.
Spraying fungicides on drought-stressed corn
Growers interested in maximizing remaining corn yield potential may be considering spraying this corn with a fungicide in the hopes that these applications will improve plant water use efficiency, and/or alleviate plant stress through grain fill. Full story.
For more, visit the Corn Resource Center.
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Inoculant Recommendation Yields Results
"In order to maximize yields, you need to maximize nodulation,” says Kent Ulwelling with A&K Feed and Grain in Lime Springs, Iowa. That’s why he’s a strong proponent of inoculation in general and VAULT® HP in particular. Ulwelling has been checking customers’ fields this summer and notes, “There appears to be increased nodulation on the plants where the seed was inoculated this spring. There are more nodules and they’re larger and more active.”
Unlike many parts of the country, planting conditions in northeast Iowa were fairly normal, yet Ulwelling feels the use of an inoculant is a best-management practice that should be encouraged every year. “The proof is always in the yield,” he says. “Even if our customers only improve yield by one bushel per acre, they have almost a 200 percent return on their seed-treatment investment.
“The rhizobia in VAULT HP seem to have more vigor and are more efficient than those in the soil. If we want to increase yields, we have to produce as much nitrogen as efficiently as possible, especially during the critical seed-fill time,” he continues.
Ulwelling also feels it’s important to recommend an inoculant that has a high days-on-seed rating, and that’s one of the benefits of VAULT HP. “I appreciate the higher rhizobia count in VAULT HP and the viability of the product on the seed is of great value,” he points out.
The BioStacked® VAULT HP system pairs a patented biological performance enhancer and a high-count rhizobia inoculant with INTEGRAL® biological fungicide. Collectively, these components stimulate rhizobial activity; help extend protection from key soil-borne diseases; and enhance root vigor, nodulation and nutrient uptake. That means potential for more root nodules, nodes, blooms and pod-making capability as the plant develops.
Stacking biologicals with multiple modes of action helps provide more consistent and dependable performance improvements across a broad range of environmental and soil conditions.
Ulwelling appreciates the research behind the product. “With today’s genetics, you really want to stack every card in your favor and protect your customers’ seed investment,” he asserts. “VAULT HP is an important component in our seed-treatment offering and it’s something that we recommend everyone who plants soybeans should use.”
Learn more about the VAULT HP soybean seed treatment system and other soybean seed enhancements at at www.BeckerUnderwood.com or call 1-800-892-2013.
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The difference between venture capital and working capital
It is not uncommon for business owners suffering through a cash flow crunch to determine that bringing on an equity partner or investor, such as a venture capitalist or angel investor, will solve all their problems. Full story.
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