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Monday, June 25, 2012
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Trouble on the horizon for GM crops?
Pests are adapting to genetically modified crops in unexpected ways, researchers have discovered. Full story.
Still time to nominate Agricultural Retailer of the Year
The Agricultural Retailers Association (ARA) is still accepting nominations for the Agricultural Retailer of the Year Award. Full story. 'Green Wheat:' Wal-Mart may transform farming
Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has long used its commercial might to forge a global supply chain with ruthless efficiency. It now has a new target: U.S. wheat fields. Full story.
Syngenta releases root health online training module
Reinforcing its commitment to the seed treatment industry, Syngenta is now offering a Root Health Online Training Module as an educational tool for growers and retailers. Full story.
Zidua herbicide receives federal registration
BASF Crop Protection announced the federal registration of Zidua herbicide for use in corn. Future registrations for use in soybean and wheat are anticipated in early 2013. Full story.
ASFMRA Education Week early registration ends today
June 25 is the end of early registration for the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (ASFMRA) Summer Education Week 2012, which will be held July 15-20 in Des Moines, Iowa. Full story. USDA Secretary Vilsack challenges seed industry
During the American Seed Trade Association’s 129th Annual Convention, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack challenged the seed industry to help educate policymakers in D.C. about the importance of ag research and farmers about coexistence. Full story. EPA urged to use sound science in atrazine decision
During an Environmental Protection Agency Scientific Advisory Panel hearing on atrazine, the National Corn Growers Association, along with state corn association representatives from Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri and Nebraska, urged the use of sound science and real-world evidence in its decision making. Full story. 2nd Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium Aug. 21
USDA and university scientists, leading producers and prominent crop consultants will present their research and insights at the second annual Midwest Soil Improvement Symposium: Research and Practical Insights into Using Gypsum. Full story.  BIG PICTURE
By Doane EconomistNOPA released its May monthly crush report on June 14. Doane characterizes the report as bullish against expectations. Based on the new data, Doane is adjusting upward its forecast for the soybean crush for the 2011/12 soybean crop year to 1.670 billion bushels. NOPA reported its members crushed 138.3 million bushels in May versus 120.3 million in May 2011. Ahead of the report, analysts on average were anticipating the crush report to total about 134 million to 135 million bushels. Soyoil stocks at member plants totaled 2.312 billion pounds, down from 2.385 billion last month. Doane characterizes the estimate as neutral against average forecasts of about 2.3 billion pounds. But in light of the crush totaling, more bushels than expected, which would produce more soybean oil than expected. The analysis suggests that soybean oil offtake was stronger than average expectations. Soybean and meal prices have rallied in trading following release of the report. Based on the NOPA crush, Doane estimates the total U.S. crush for May at 144.0 million bushels.
Crop Fertility Resource Center
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Are we really seeing K-deficient corn, soybean?
Diagnosing crop nutrient deficiencies based solely on visual symptoms is not always easy, but K deficiency symptoms are very distinct for corn and soybean. Full story.
For more, visit the Crop Fertility Resource Center.
Applying nitrogen to N-stressed soybeans
Although soybeans can fix good part of their own nitrogen (N) if they are well nodulated, this is no guarantee that soybeans will not suffer from nitrogen deficiency at a crucial time in their development. Full story.
For more, visit the Soybean Resource Center.
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Evaluate Soybean Nodulation with Customers
Effective, root nodulation is key to bigger soybean yields and in-field evaluation of soybean root nodulation provides an excellent way to evaluate nodulation. Taking time to walk soybean fields and dig up some plants with your customers offers an opportunity to explain the benefits of applying the VAULT® HP plus INTEGRAL® multi-action soybean inoculant treatment system plus strengthen customer relations.
Follow these steps to evaluate root nodulation:
- Check plants about 40 days following emergence until pods begin to fill.
- Use a spade to dig up as much of the plant's taproot and lateral roots as possible. Do not pull the plant as this can cause nodules to be separated from roots.
- Soak roots in water and gently remove the remaining soil.
- Examine area around the taproot looking at overall mass of nodules — not just quantity of nodules.
- Slice open several nodules and check color inside.
- Nodules fixing nitrogen will be pink to bright red.
- White nodule interiors indicate colonization by rhizobia, but they have not yet begun to actively fix nitrogen. Check plants again in a few weeks.
- Nodules green, brown, tan or black on the inside, or appear "mushy" are inactive or possibly parasitic. This is common in fields that have not been properly inoculated with a high-quality rhizobial inoculant.
Applying triple BioStacked® VAULT HP plus INTEGRAL is a best management practice that's the right choice for every soybean acre. Visit VAULTHP.com to learn more about VAULT HP plus INTEGRAL and its performance, or call 1-800-892-2013.
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Does your business really need an app for that?
Smart phones now account for 27 percent of the mobile phone market led by nearly 50 million iPhone or Android purchases in the fourth quarter of 2010. Those seemingly smart consumers want to be able to communicate, buy and enjoy, whatever they want, whenever they want. As a result, more than 400,000 mobile applications or apps have been developed in the last three years. Full story.
For more Focus on Business articles, click here.
Pre-plant N evaluated for irrigated spring wheat
The Idaho Wheat Commission has identified N fertilization practices as a research need, especially the performance of newer materials. Full story.
For more, visit the Wheat Resource Center.
Target diseases when considering foliar fungicides
Although foliar fungicides are touted for a variety of reasons — including "plant health," "yield bumps," and "yield enhancements"--these effects have not been observed consistently in University of Illinois trials when foliar disease pressure is low. Full story.
For more, visit the Corn Resource Center.
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