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Crop Talk
Dennis Berglund Orvin Bontrager
Search Crop Talk:
archive
Crop Talk Archives
Watch Cercospora Leafspot In Sugarbeets
8-30-2010
Cercospora is generally more severe than it has been over the past 10 years. more>>

Preharvest Herbicide Applications in Dry Edible beans
8-23-2010
Preharvest applications can help speed up harvest by dessicating both the crop and weeds. more>>

Soil Testing Should Begin Now
8-17-2010
If you review current soil testing recommendations, you will see there is no sampling date adjustment. more>>

Soil Test NOW, Right Behind The Combine
8-9-2010
If we delay the sampling, we miss an excellent window for soil testing by waiting too long. more>>

Scout Your Soybean Fields!
8-2-2010
Soybean aphids are easy to find in NW Minnesota and eastern ND more>>

Soybean Aphids
7-13-2010
It's time to be scouting for soybean aphids! more>>

Crop Update 6-30-10
6-30-2010
There is a lot of interest in applying N to improve wheat protein more>>

NDAWN Weather Site and Phone Numbers
6-25-2010
NDAWN covers all of ND, including several stations in MN, MT and SD and is a great site for weather information and historical weather records. more>>

Fungicide Decisions For Head Scab
6-21-2010
Wheat fungicide decisions will need to be made soon as the Scab Forecast shows moderate to high risk of infection in MN/ND! more>>

Growing Degree Units
6-11-2010
Growing Degree Units (GDUs) or Growing Degree Days (GDDs) are useful to predict crop maturity and pest development. more>>

Fungicides on Corn
7-31-2008
Our small local airport has spray planes lining up on the tarmac to takeoff like World War II fighter planes on an aircraft carrier. Locally, the constant drone of distance planes can be heard while applying fungicides on corn the past 7-10 days. more>>

Corn Fungicides
7-16-2007
more>>

Acetochlor Rotation Changes
7-6-2007
more>>

Ag Report
9-28-2005
Thought we could bring you up to date on the effects of our latest event - Rita. more>>

Ag Report
9-6-2005
Katrina dealt us little only a little wind (45 mph) and rain (1.0"), but will take a huge toll on ag economics for some time. more>>

Illinois Crop Update
8-11-2005
We keep hearing that it is going to rain and today we actually got one of our biggest rains, almost 1/10 inch. more>>

Cercospora Resistance Management
8-9-2005
We need to pay attention to BOTH Cercospora control and resistance management! more>>

Heat and Drought Continues
8-8-2005
In my article two weeks ago, I wrote about the stress the crops were undergoing across the High Plains due to the heat, wind and dry weather. more>>

A Race to the Finish
8-5-2005
We are on the downhill side for corn production for this year. more>>

Corn Rootworm Adapts to Cultural Practices
8-4-2005
Since the mid 90's the corn rootworm has been adapting to our crop rotations. more>>

Weak Rooting Syndrome
8-2-2005
After several years of speculation, I'm pretty sure that the Weak Rooting Syndrome is from spraying pre-harvest glyphosate too early. more>>

Aerial View Aids Field Observations
8-1-2005
As the corn reaches the tassel stage of development, it becomes too tall to look over the top of the crop to diagnose some problems. more>>

Ag Report
7-18-2005
Rain still in same areas as before. Drought sticking to others like cockleburs to a Golden Retriever. more>>

Ag Report
7-5-2005
Very few borers seen this week. more>>

Ag Report
6-27-2005
Heat has caused most crops to droop or twist this week, even in some areas that have what we thought was adequate moisture. more>>

Ag Report
6-20-2005
Most of the area got at least another 1/2" or so late in the week. Field work will resume Monday on most farms. There are a few areas where rainfall accumulation since April has been very low. Those crops will require more frequent rainfall. more>>

Ag Report
6-13-2005
Now, everyone is wet. From drought to flood in less than a week. more>>

Ag Report
6-6-2005
Extensive rainfall covered the area early in the week. As much as 4.5" fell in some, but most farms received 2". more>>

Ag Report
6-1-2005
Even after today’s (Sunday) extensive coverage water may still be a limiting factor in our area. more>>

Ag Report
5-10-2005
We are in a drought from Ferriday and Clayton southward. more>>

Knowing When Herbicides Work
4-25-2005
more>>

Ag Report
4-25-2005
This is Agricultural Management Services, Inc. first newsletter of 2005. We are sorry for the delay, but hope to get everyone caught up on information from our area. more>>

Planting Update
4-22-2005
Scattered showers and areas of heavy rain have caused corn planting to be sporadic so far in Nebraska. more>>

Seed Lab Data
4-20-2005
Here are some interesting data from our Seed Lab more>>

Planting Season Is Here
4-18-2005
Farmers throughout Kansas are getting started planting corn. more>>

Cropping Update
4-15-2005
Rain over much of Nebraska has slowed the start of corn planting. more>>

When the big job is done
4-14-2005
Acres planted varies across the Corn Belt. more>>

Chemical Inventory
4-13-2005
As companies try to manage their inventory better, we sometimes see short supplies or even complete outages! more>>

Condition of Wheat Crop
4-11-2005
more>>

Will Cutworm be at your field in 2005
4-8-2005
The main threat from cutworm in the Midwest is the black cutworm. more>>

Sprayer Calibration
4-8-2005
Many growers do their own preplant or post emerge herbicide application with their own sprayers. more>>

High Fertilizer Prices!
4-6-2005
As we do our spring planting, we are all reminded of the high cost of fertilizer. more>>

Fertilizer Shortage
4-4-2005
Farmers and dealers are reporting nitrogen fertilizer shortages in various locations across the High Plains. more>>

Planter Checks
4-1-2005
Corn planters will be going to the fields in the next few weeks. more>>

Glyphosate Tolerant Corn
3-31-2005
This year glyphosate tolerant corn hybrids are expected to be grown by many farmers in our region. more>>

Volunteer Corn Update
3-30-2005
A few months ago, I wrote an article expressing concern with our volunteer corn potential in 2005. more>>

Topdressing Wheat
3-30-2005
Topdressing is a term used for fertilizing crops after they are up and growing. more>>

Preplant Scouting
3-25-2005
In the past 7 days, substantial 1-2 inch rains have occurred in areas of Nebraska and other parts of the High Plains. more>>

A Review of Different Types of Emergence
3-24-2005
When comparing crops with similar seed size, those that must pull their cotyledons through the soil, in order to emerge, should be planted shallower than those in which the cotyledons remain in the soil. more>>

Rust can be managed but not ignored
3-22-2005
Our first week in Brazil was a quick survey of the southern area to see if the dry conditions were affecting the beans and if rust was present. more>>

Cropping Update
3-19-2005
Dry open weather in recent weeks in the western Corn Belt has allowed many growers to finish applying anhydrous ammonia for corn production. more>>

Thoughts on Precision Ag
3-16-2005
Remember that "It's the ADVICE, not the DEVICE" that is important in Precision Ag! more>>

Russian Wheat Aphids
3-14-2005
Crop Quest agronomists are reporting treatable levels of Russian wheat aphids (RWA) in the small grain fields along the western edge of Kansas. more>>

DADS in DC
3-11-2005
DADS in DC is not an organized march in Washington D.C. in support of fatherhood, although that would be a worthy endeavor. more>>

It is decision time!
3-10-2005
Spring is getting near in the Midwest and many growers still have to apply over half of their nitrogen. more>>

Keep Things Timely With Custom Help
3-9-2005
As your farm increases in size each year, so does your work load. more>>

Pelletized Lime
3-7-2005
In a recent issue of The Wheat Farmer / Row Crop Farmer publication by Steve Watson, he reported on research by Kansas State University Extension Researchers regarding the effectiveness of banding with pelletized lime more>>

Education in Education
3-3-2005
What's the purpose of college? I have been traveling around the Midwest going from college to college in an effort to recruit summer employees to scout the fields. more>>

Renewal Meeting
3-2-2005
I recently attended a good "RENEWAL MEETING".... more>>

Breaking Dormancy
2-28-2005
Even though we are still into our winter months, the crops have determined that Spring is coming. more>>

Water and Politics
2-25-2005
The far west and southwest regions of the U.S. have received above average rainfall and snow the past 6 months. more>>

Crop Scouting: To scout or not to scout, that is the question
2-24-2005
Since the late 1970's and early 1980's, we have been hearing about the benefits of integrated pest management and the use of crop scouting. more>>

Variable Spaced "Guess Rows"!
2-22-2005
At CENTROL we are using an auto-steer system with RTK correction to map field topography. more>>

Mountain Snows Beneficial
2-21-2005
I had the opportunity this past week to fly over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and travel a significant area throughout New Mexico. more>>

Why Don't You Recommend My Products?
2-18-2005
Crop consultants receive numerous requests from company representatives to have their products recommended to our clients. more>>

How dangerous will soybean rust fungicides be to humans?
1-27-2005
There have been several products approved for use against soybean rust. more>>

Hard to Control Weeds in 2005
1-7-2005
Weed populations continue to shift in response to management practices and the effectiveness of control measures. more>>

Planting Target Dates
4-14-2004
Each year is different and we only know the "Optimum Planting Date" more>>

Alfalfa Insects Increasing
4-12-2004
Crop Quest agronomists across the High Plains are reporting economic infestations of alfalfa weevil larva, pea aphids and blue aphids. more>>

Glyphosate Confusions
4-9-2004
At least 40 different brand names of glyphosate are available today. more>>

Replanting Decisions
4-8-2004
Once the corn seed is placed into the ground, you hope that it will germinate and yield to its potential. more>>

Soybean Emergence From Different Depths
4-6-2004
Some Illinois data shows the difference in emergence of soybeans planted at different depths. more>>

Cutworm Control
4-1-2004
There are some preventative measures a grower can take to avoid cutworm disaster. more>>

What Kind of PDA and Software Should We Buy?
3-31-2004
We are getting a lot of questions from our growers concerning PDAs and software.... more>>

4-H Clubs Assist In Disaster
3-29-2004
Last fall during corn harvest, a fire caused by an overheated bearing in a combine, swept across thirty acres of a farmers cornfield. more>>

Preplant Weed Scouting
3-26-2004
The recent warm temperatures have caused rapid greenup of winter annuals and early emergence of spring annual weeds. more>>

The Cutworms are Coming
3-25-2004
As you read this article, the adult cutworm moths are traveling by way of winds or storm fronts from the Gulf of Mexico region into the U.S. Corn belt. more>>

Promoting Agriculture
3-23-2004
The numbers of farmers involved in agriculture are declining each year. more>>

Soybean Rust
3-19-2004
Here's what we know about Soybean Rust. more>>

Cropping Update
3-19-2004
With the recent increase in grain prices, producers are taking another look at their cropping plan for the 2004 season. more>>

Planning for the Upcoming Growing Season
3-18-2004
Even though, it only seems logical to carefully plan for each upcoming growing season, sometimes it gets missed. more>>

Phosphate Increases Soybean Yield and Protein
3-17-2004
Soybean research in MN shows that applying phosphorus fertilizer can increase yields by up to 15 percent. more>>

Doublechecking Recommendations
3-15-2004
Row crop planting season is quickly approaching across the High Plains area. more>>

The Road Ahead for Agriculture Producers
3-12-2004
I recently attended a marketing/crop insurance meeting with Dr. Steve Johnson, Iowa State University farm management specialist. more>>

Competition from South America
3-11-2004
My last two weeks in South America were very enlightening. more>>

Soybean Cyst Nematode Found in ND
3-9-2004
Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN) has been found in many fields in North Dakota and NW Minnesota. more>>

Rain Offers Hope
3-8-2004
more>>

Cranes, Geese and Corn
3-5-2004
It may be a surprise to many across the country, but central Nebraska along the Platte River is one of the most popular birding and wildlife viewing destinations in the United States. more>>

Reduced Herbicide Rates
3-3-2004
While herbicides labels are intended to provide reliable weed control over a wide range of conditions, lower than labeled rates can provide adequate weed control in some situations. more>>

Leap Year
3-2-2004
How many of us say to ourselves or even to others, "I wish I had more time" or "there just is not enough time in a day to do all I have to do". more>>

Waterhemp control - part 2
2-27-2004
Many growers attempt to control waterhemp in their soybean fields with glyphosate. more>>

Water Needs of Crops
2-24-2004
We haven't had much moisture since July and some growers are worried about our low subsoil moisture. more>>

Armycutworms Invade The Southern High Plains
2-23-2004
Army Cutworm moths usually lay their eggs in the fall of the year. more>>

Irrigation Conference
2-20-2004
Irrigated agriculture is an very important component in the western Corn Belt. more>>

Waterhemp
2-18-2004
In the next few weeks, each article will focus on waterhemp (Amaranthus rudis). more>>

Composting For Disposal Of Animal Waste
2-16-2004
I recently attended a "how to" meeting for "on-farm composting" of manure and dead animals. more>>

Crop Consulting in February
2-13-2004
Many wonder what a crop consultant does in the winter when snow is on the ground, subzero wind chills are prevalent, and soil samples can't be taken effectively. more>>

New Seed Treatments
2-11-2004
Cruiser and Poncho are 2 new seed treatments that can help protect your corn stands. more>>

South Texas Soybean Rust Watch
2-10-2004
While not a new topic for most of us in farming, Asian Soybean Rust (ASBR) has certainly gained the attention of U.S. agriculture. more>>

Autotoxicity In Alfalfa
2-9-2004
Autotoxicity is defined as the negative effect well-established alfalfa plants have on germination, vigor and emergence of alfalfa seedlings. more>>

Adjusting Nitrogen Rates For Different Wheat Varieties?
2-4-2004
Since Nitrogen is a major component of protein, and protein % varies widely in our Hard Red Spring Wheat, it seems logical that some varieties might require more Nitrogen than others. more>>

Groundhog Day
2-2-2004
This is one of those years when many of us on the western High Plains hope the groundhog does see his shadow. more>>

NAICC Meeting Highlights
1-30-2004
Last week was the annual meeting of the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants at New Orleans, LA. more>>

Planting - What's early
1-29-2004
In an early spring, producers face the question of when they should begin planting. more>>

Nitrogen Prices Will Increase!
1-28-2004
High prices for natural gas mean high prices for nitrogen. more>>

Drought Continues On High Plains
1-26-2004
The western High Plains continues to suffer at the hands of Mother Nature as the severe drought conditions persist throughout the area. more>>

The Conservation Tillage Conference
1-21-2004
The Conservation Tillage Conference for cotton and rice was recently held in Tunica, MS. more>>

Auto-Steer
1-20-2004
Why does this technology have so many satisfied growers? more>>

Personal Growth and Evaluation
1-16-2004
I came across some questions that were used by one of our early managers to evaluate personnel. These are good to evaluate ourselves periodically to see how we are developing both personally and professionally as crop consultants. more>>

Keys to Corn Production
1-14-2004
It is no secret that corn yields best in good fertility, therefore, good soil test is very important to insure that fertility levels are adequate but not excessive. more>>

Corn Pollen Drift
1-13-2004
IA state University researchers conducted a pollen drift study in 2003. more>>

Cattle Performance Unaffected By GM Corn
1-12-2004
In a University of Nebraska (NU) study, which involved Bt corn for rootworms and Roundup Ready corn, Nebraska animal scientists confirmed that feeding or grazing genetically modified (GM) corn doesn't adversely affect animal performance. more>>

Liming Soils
1-9-2004
Much of the High Plains have naturally occurring high pH soils that haven't required liming. more>>

Cultivation
1-8-2004
Corn should be monitored carefully to determine when and what type of cultivation is needed. more>>

Weather
1-6-2004
Thus far the Mid-West and Mid-South have had one of the mildest winters on record. more>>

Pointers for High Soybean Yields
1-6-2004
High soybean yields depend upon the rate and length of time of dry weight accumulation in the grain. more>>

Long Term Nitrate Research
1-5-2004
In a recent article in the High Plains Journal Magazine, it brought out some interesting thoughts regarding the conservation efforts that are being made and the short-term impact it may or may not have on water quality. more>>

Bringing In The New Year!
1-1-2004
The past few years have been very tough for agriculture. more>>

10 Traits and Passion
12-31-2003
As I've been counting my Blessings this year... more>>

Cultural Practices
12-30-2003
In the next few articles I would like to throw out a few thoughts on what I call the keys to high yield corn production. more>>

Technology
12-29-2003
more>>

What I Want For Christmas
12-22-2003
What I want for Christmas is beneficial rains and/or snows to recharge the reservoirs and fill the soil profile to provide good growing conditions for this next growing season. more>>

YieldGard Rootworm-Protected Corn
12-19-2003
YieldGard Rootworm-protected corn has been genetically modified to possess a protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a common soil bacteria and targets corn rootworm larvae. more>>

The Sky Isn't Falling
12-19-2003
I read with interest an op-ed column in a major Midwest newspaper this week. more>>

Beneficial Snow
12-16-2003
The High Plains finally received significant snowfall this past week after 90 days or more of trace to no rainfall. more>>

Fertilizer Recommendations
12-12-2003
University of Nebraska extension soil fertility specialists are updating their recommendations for irrigated corn. more>>

Pointers for High Soybean Yields
12-9-2003
High soybean yields depend upon the rate and length of time of dry weight accumulation in the grain. more>>

Wheat Residue Beneficial During Drought
12-8-2003
Retaining soil moisture is always a concern across the western High Plains. more>>

Random Thoughts
12-5-2003
Why will a grower apply 10 pounds per acre more N than is recommended in order to "be safe" for the corn crop next year? more>>

What's the fuss about rust?
12-4-2003
Soybean rust (Phakopsora pachyrhizi) was first reported in Japan in 1902 and the Philippines in 1914. more>>

Excuse me if I seem grumpy here....
12-3-2003
Excuse me if I seem grumpy here.... ....but can't anyone else see that we are in for a problem with Roundup Ready (RR) technology? more>>

Field By Field Recommendations
12-1-2003
More and more farmers are relying on their agronomists to make specific recommendations on a field-by-field basis. more>>

Not much has changed or has it?
11-27-2003
Thanksgiving and Harvest isn't that what it is all about? more>>

Drought Threatens High Plains
11-26-2003
Despite the beneficial rains that were received over parts of the High Plains in early September, the drought conditions that have plagued this area for the past 3 to 4 years are once again raising serious concerns. more>>

Thoughts On Precision Ag....
11-25-2003
It's not just the Precision Ag DEVICE that is important... The ADVICE is usually more important more>>

Continued Training
11-21-2003
This past week was Servi-Tech's annual staff meeting. more>>

Loss of Farmers!
11-18-2003
An agricultural futurist from Rochester, MN outlines a disturbing prediction.... more>>

Carbon Sequestration
11-17-2003
Carbon sequestration is a means of recapturing carbon dioxide that has been released into the atmosphere according to Dr. Charles Rice, soil microbiologist with Kansas State Research and Extension. more>>

Buckthorn and Soybean Aphids
11-14-2003
Following a summer of soybean aphid buildup in the western Cornbelt, I have been more aware of buckthorn bushes or small trees that are growing in this area of central Nebraska. more>>

Looking for the Right Stuff
11-13-2003
For the last month we have been interviewing students at the major colleges and universities across the mid-west. more>>

It's Meeting Season!
11-11-2003
I'd like to share a tip that I picked up a few years ago from Jim Bauder, from Montana State University. more>>

Harvest Update
11-7-2003
Wet conditions the past 7 days have stalled the remaining corn harvest in Nebraska. more>>

Staying Current
11-6-2003
One of the functions of a crop consultant is staying current. more>>

Did It Pay To Treat Soybean Aphids?
11-5-2003
There were not too many fields treated in our area, but preliminary data suggests that it paid to spray soybean aphids, in 2003. more>>

Ag Report
11-4-2003
Weather has been perfect for fall land preparation. more>>

Applying Anhydrous Ammonia
11-3-2003
The application of NH3 (anhydrous ammonia) during the fall and early winter has a number of advantages for the farmer, but there are also precautions that need to be taken. more>>

Phosphorous Tests
10-31-2003
Soil testing laboratories run various tests to check for phosphorous. more>>

Choosing Hybrids for 2004
10-30-2003
more>>

Update On Our Soybean Seed
10-29-2003
A few weeks ago , I predicted that our soybean seed quality would be lower than usual. more>>

Ag Report
10-28-2003
Weather still cooperating. Little rainfall occurred from the front that is now passing through, therefore field work should continue. more>>

Corn Hybrid Recommendations
10-27-2003
Farmers are approaching the time of year when seed companies are asking for corn seed orders for the next cropping season. more>>

Educating Kids
10-24-2003
I had the opportunity to participate in a FarmLife seminar on a local grower's field this past week. more>>

Plan for 2004
10-23-2003
Failure to plan is a plan for failure. more>>

AG REPORT
10-21-2003
We are currently running the Veris rig over several thousand acres. more>>

Breaking Up Compaction
10-20-2003
Late fall and early winter is a good time to break up soil compaction, if soil moisture conditions allow. more>>

A Second Opinion
10-17-2003
A few weeks ago I almost bought the ranch - so they tell me. more>>

Ag Report
10-15-2003
Harvesting shut down Monday in most of area due to 0.2 - 3.2" of rain. more>>

Field Drying Corn?
10-14-2003
Normally, corn dries more>>

Sharing Knowledge
10-13-2003
Recently, Crop Quest personnel had the opportunity to visit with a couple of agronomists from Argentina. more>>

Drought Continues
10-10-2003
Rains in September in parts of Nebraska brought much needed moisture. more>>

The Big "3" in Soil Testing
10-9-2003
Plants need large amounts of nitrogen. more>>

Update from the North!
10-7-2003
Early soybean yields are in the 30-40 bushel range.< more>>

Ag Report
10-7-2003
Harvesting is continuing with beautiful weather. more>>

Agronomist / Consultant, An Unending Cycle
10-6-2003
As crop harvesting progresses and there is no longer a crop to watch, the cycle does not end for a fulltime agronomist / consultant. more>>

Choosing Corn Hybrids
10-3-2003
Attending corn hybrid and soybean variety plot tours in the fall is an activity done by most crop consultants. more>>

Why were Soybean yields down?
10-2-2003
The obvious answer is weather. more>>

Soil Testing Is In High Gear!
10-1-2003
This year's excellent small grain crop used up a lot of the Nitrogen in the top 2 feet of soil and this showed up in our low N soil tests. more>>

The Agricultural Issues Forum - John Deere AMS Presentation
9-30-2003
Today's growers have many more tools and technologies available to them than ever before. more>>

Phosphorus, A Needed Nutrient
9-29-2003
In recent years, there has been concern of ground water and stream flow contamination with phosphorus fertilization. more>>

Beginning Harvest
9-26-2003
This past week soybean harvest has started in the central High Plains. more>>

Stay around to enjoy your harvest!
9-25-2003
Yes, you have had people harp on safety at harvest, but each year farmers lose limbs and sometimes their lives. more>>

NTech Industry, Inc. GreenSeeker
9-24-2003
The first presentation discussed a new technology that improves the grower's bottom line through yield increase and reduced nitrogen usage. more>>

Price vs. Cost
9-23-2003
"When making a decision, what is more important to you, the price or the cost?" more>>

The Neonicotinoids
9-22-2003
A revolutionary group of insecticides hit the U. S. market during the early nineties. more>>

Southwestern Corn Borers
9-22-2003
Second-generation Southwestern corn borers can be devastating if left untreated. more>>

Rest and Relaxation
9-19-2003
Irrigation wells are basically shut down and the summer crops are waiting to be harvested. more>>

New CropTalk Contributors Added
9-18-2003
I would like to introduce you to our four new contributors to CropTalk. more>>

Low Soybean Seed Quality?!
9-17-2003
Seed quality and germination, for our 2004 soybean fields, will certainly be lower than usual. more>>

CRP Acres Increase
9-15-2003
In the latest signup of idling acres into the Conservation Reserve Program, Kansas came out on top with 293,989 new acres enrolled in the program. more>>

Crop Conditions
9-12-2003
Recent rains the past 48 hours in parts of Nebraska have lifted the spirits of growers. more>>

Credit for Nitrogen
9-10-2003
Next to hydrogen and oxygen, nitrogen is one of the most important elements on this planet. more>>

Nutrient Removal by Major Minnesota Crops
9-9-2003
more>>

High Nitrate Feedstuff
9-8-2003
Now that forages, corn and other feedstuff are being harvested for hay or silage (many due to the drought conditions across the High Plains), one has to be concerned about the potential nitrate levels in the feedstuff. more>>

Forage Testing
9-5-2003
Another drought stricken summer has created forage that was moisture stress on many non-irrigated or limited irrigated areas in the west. more>>

What's A Rain Worth?
9-4-2003
The rain this past long weekend was worth a lot to the beans but to some of the corn it came a little late. more>>

Early Season Soil Testing Results
9-3-2003
Here are the results of the fields that we have tested so far this fall. more>>

High Plains Receives Rain
9-2-2003
Significant rains have finally fallen over a large area of the High Plains. more>>

Late Season Observations
8-29-2003
Using Roundup Ready soybeans doesn't guarantee 100% season long weed control. more>>

Aphid Update
8-28-2003
Soybean (Asian) aphids have caused quite a turmoil in the Midwest. more>>

Dry Bean Update - NE North Dakota
8-27-2003
Dry weather has hurt our Dry Beans. more>>

Starting an 'Agricultural Issues Forum'
8-26-2003
Back in 1989 I started 'The Agricultural Issues Forum'. more>>

Drought Severity Increases
8-25-2003
The growing season across the High Plains got off to a good start with some beneficial rains received in late May and early June. more>>

Last Irrigations
8-22-2003
In the next few weeks, many irrigation wells in the High Plains will cease pumping on corn and soybeans. more>>

Soybean rust - is it real?
8-21-2003
Last week I met with soybean rust experts from all over the world and they all had the same opinion. more>>

Soybean Aphid - Final Decisions
8-19-2003
This morning, several of us here at CENTROL had a discussion concerning Soybean Aphids and how late we should treat, etc. more>>

Corn Harvest on the High Plains
8-18-2003
Harvesting of the 2003 corn crop has begun across the High Plains. more>>

Why should I pay for a soil test?
8-14-2003
A good soil test usually is not free. You've heard the saying, "Nothing is free." more>>

The Value of Research - A WARNING-
8-13-2003
I just returned from a meeting listening to a Dean of a Land Grant College of Agriculture speak about the various 'Community Benefits' that have emerged from traditional Ag Research Programs. more>>

Sugarbeet Root Rots
8-12-2003
There is plenty of Rhizoctonia and Aphanomyces showing up in our sugarbeet fields, but the extent of Rhizomania is still unknown. more>>

Wheat Planting Preparations
8-11-2003
Planting of the 2004 hard red winter wheat crop is fast approaching across the High Plains with only 20 to 40 days left before the drills are rolling once again. more>>

Corn Leaf Aphids
8-8-2003
Higher than usual numbers of corn leaf aphids are present on corn plants in many cornfields in the west. more>>

How big are the holes?
8-7-2003
A quick overview of Indiana revealed some fairly large holes in many of the fields in Indiana. more>>

Things to look for this week....
8-5-2003
A snapshot of how the consultants will be spending this week. more>>

Spider Mites & Cornborers
8-4-2003
Second generation cornborers, both European and Southwestern, have been serious insect problems over the corn production areas of the High Plains for the past 25 to 30 years. more>>

Beetles and Borers
8-1-2003
Bean leaf beetles in soybeans and corn borers in corn are being intensively scouted for now in the western Corn Belt. more>>

Natural gas and its effect on agricultural inputs
7-31-2003
There are both short and long-term phenomena that could drive the price of natural gas much higher. more>>

Grasshoppers
7-30-2003
Grasshoppers are becoming more obvious in spite of our cool, wet weather. more>>

Crop Insurance
7-29-2003
Crop Insurance has not just become a good idea, but something most of the best land and Crop Managers in the USA utilize. more>>

Drought Conditions Increasing
7-28-2003
Two weeks ago, I wrote how the crops were beginning to show serious moisture stress and a rain would be necessary to prevent damaging losses. more>>

Checking Irrigation Water Nitrates
7-25-2003
Nitrogen fertilizer costs will be very high this fall. more>>

Corn Rootworm
7-24-2003
Corn rootworm has become an increasing problem. more>>

Pasture Maintenance
7-23-2003
35% of the Farms in my area have Dairy, 11% Beef and 6% have Horses. more>>

Soybean Root Rots
7-22-2003
Wet soils usually mean soybean root rots and we have been very wet! more>>

Cowpea Aphids
7-21-2003
Reviewing the literature regarding the cowpea aphid (Aphis craccivora), it appears this insect has been around for a while in California and surrounding states. more>>

Drought and Western Bean Cutworm
7-18-2003
High temperatures and little to no rainfall are rapidly causing the non-irrigated corn to deteriorate in many areas of the western cornbelt. more>>

Japanese Beetles
7-17-2003
more>>

Alfalfa as a CASH CROP
7-16-2003
more>>

Cercospora Resistance Management
7-15-2003
We need to pay attention to BOTH Cercospora control and resistance management! more>>

Crop Conditions Across The High Plains
7-14-2003
Much of the corn across the High Plains is entering the tassel to pollination stage. more>>

Storm Damaged Crops
7-11-2003
Row crops have taken a beating from the weather the last few weeks in areas of the High Plains. more>>

Soybean Aphids
7-10-2003
We are starting to find low levels of Soybean Aphids in MN and ND. more>>

GRAY LEAF SPOT IN CORN
7-7-2003
Gray leaf spot disease in corn can have a significant impact on corn yields if it reaches epidemic levels prior to grain fill. more>>

Planting is finished and time to review
7-3-2003
The crop development for both corn and beans is extremely varied for Illinois and Indiana. more>>

Glyphosate Testing
7-2-2003
Along with weeds, glyphosate and wind comes herbicide injury. more>>

Double Crop Soybeans (after Wheat and Barley)
7-1-2003
The Barley crop is coming off and the Wheat Crop is just about ready here in the NE. more>>

Starting Alfalfa In A Wheat Crop
6-30-2003
Windy areas present a real challenge when it comes to planting alfalfa on sandy soils. more>>

Legume Nodulation
6-27-2003
Now is the time to be checking the root systems of the young soybean plants to insure that nodulation is occurring on the developing root systems. more>>

Agriculture is the Czech Republic
6-25-2003
A brief glimpse into Agriculture in the Czech Republic. more>>

Are rootworm larvae feeding on your corn's roots?
6-24-2003
Rootworm larvae are feeding on the roots of corn plants. more>>

WHEAT HARVEST DELAYED
6-23-2003
Hard red winter wheat harvest across the High Plains continues to be delayed by the unusual rainy weather pattern sweeping through the central United States. more>>

Soybean Aphid
6-19-2003
This insect has the potential of creating a lot of damage through your fields. more>>

A Great Way to Monitor Nozzle Wear
6-18-2003
One of our consultants has a great way to monitor tip wear and I want to share it with you. more>>

The Nitrogen Dilemma
6-17-2003
This spring, in the Northeast, we have had the wettest spring in recorded history. more>>

Soil Sampling Wheat Ground
6-16-2003
Hard red winter wheat harvest is in progress across the High Plains region. more>>

Modified Ridge-Till
6-13-2003
In recent years, more growers have moved away from routine cultivation under row crops under center pivot irrigated fields. more>>

European Corn Borer Is Here
6-12-2003
European corn borer is present in many of our waterways and ditches. more>>

Delayed, Yellow Corn
6-11-2003
Most of our corn fields are exhibiting a pale yellow appearance and lack of vigor due to our cool temperatures and lack of sunshine. more>>

Rainfall and Weed Control in the Northeast
6-10-2003
Your not going to believe this one... but some areas in the NE had 28 days of rain during the moth of May!! more>>

Rains On The Plains
6-9-2003
What a week this has been across much of the High Plains area! more>>

Staging Corn Plants
6-6-2003
Not all agriculturists are on the same page when determining the stage of development of a corn plant. more>>

Crop Report
6-5-2003
We have most of our scouts in the field now. more>>

Slugs in Field Corn
6-5-2003
SLUGS have not been as bad as expected in corn and other crops thus far this spring, despite the seemingly ideal weather conditions. more>>

Why Do Pesticides Cost So Much?
6-4-2003
The average costs to bring a crop protection product to market have increased. more>>

Full Rates of Roundup
6-2-2003
A recently completed study at the University of Nebraska concluded that Roundup more>>

Random Thoughts
5-30-2003
I made several trips across central Nebraska through north-central and southwest Kansas the past 10 days. more>>

Slugs appear at the table
5-29-2003
This year we can expect to see a different pest at the dinner table in our fields. more>>

Early Sugarbeet Root Maggot Fly Peak
5-28-2003
Soil degree-day (DD) accumulations predict that peak fly activity in this year's beet fields will take place the week of June 2 - 8 more>>

Insect Update - From Pennsylvania
5-27-2003
The harsh winter seems to have helped bring down most insect populations that over winter in the state. more>>

COOPERATIVE RELATIONSHIP
5-26-2003
Each year, as Crop Quest begins the summer season, they utilize university and college students as summer scouts to work along side their full time agronomists/consultants. more>>

Herbicide Additives
5-23-2003
Post emerge herbicide applications are being applied now. more>>

Reflections on the spring of '03
5-21-2003
What is normal? One thing for sure this spring is not normal - or is it? more>>

Banding In 22" Rows?
5-20-2003
Most spray books have broadcast and banding rate charts for 20", 30" and 40" nozzle spacing. more>>

Rust Diseases On Wheat
5-19-2003
Wheat leaf diseases have been a non-event on most wheat fields across the High Plains this past Spring, but that is rapidly changing as the rust diseases take hold. more>>

Good Advice
5-16-2003
I will lay off the agronomic advice for this week. more>>

No-till Soybeans
5-15-2003
The acreage of No-Till Soybeans is up significantly from prior years. more>>

When do I replant?????
5-14-2003
more>>

Replanting?
5-13-2003
As long as the stand is even, most crops can compensate for quite a bit of stand reduction. more>>

Wheat Condition Update
5-12-2003
Wheat across much of Kansas looks better than it has for the past couple of years, but west of U.S. 183 is a different story. more>>

Wet Conditions on the Plains
5-9-2003
After drought conditions the past 12 months, many areas in the western Corn Belt and High Plains are now experiencing too much moisture to finish planting row crops. more>>

Bean Leaf Beetle This Spring
5-8-2003
Bean leaf beetles did very well this winter. more>>

Soybean Seeding Rates in MN and ND
5-6-2003
Optimal plant populations are 125,000-175,000 plants per acre, regardless of row spacing. more>>

STRIP-TILLAGE AIDS THE CATTLEMEN
5-5-2003
Cattlemen who run stocker cattle on wheat or other small grain pastures are confronted with the challenge of getting maximum grazing from the pasture prior to planting another crop. more>>

Early Corn Crop Evaluations
5-2-2003
Recent rains and cool weather have slowed germination and development of the planted corn. more>>

What happened to my corn stand?
4-30-2003
Each year we have seen more below ground insect feeding and I am concerned that this year may be the worst yet. more>>

Climate Considerations in North Dakota
4-29-2003
North Dakota's frost-free growing season averages from about 110 days in the north to over 130 days in the south. more>>

Crop Production Risk Management
4-28-2003
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion/seminar to discuss risk management in agriculture under the current economic and climatic conditions. more>>

Organic Crop Production
4-25-2003
According to USDA, the organic markets continue to grow. More producers are devoting fields to grow certified organic crops. more>>

When to control weeds
4-24-2003
When do weeds cost you? more>>

Corn Population
4-23-2003
To produce the maximum grain yield, our corn population should be about 29,000 to 31,000 plants per acre at harvest. more>>

Alfalfa Weevil in the North East
4-22-2003
more>>

WHEAT CROP UPDATE
4-21-2003
If you remember from last weeks article, I expressed serious concern about the lack of rainfall in combination with the extended drought conditions that have plagued the western High Plains for the past several years. more>>

Burndown Herbicides
4-18-2003
Once again, the importance of properly timed burndown herbicides will be seen on some no-till and ridge-till fields. more>>

Planter Preparation
4-17-2003
more>>

Last Minute Corn Planting Tips
4-16-2003
In North Dakota and Northern Minnesota, the ideal corn planting date is usually between April 20th to May 1st. more>>

Late Spring Issues
4-15-2003
Spring 2003 will be among the latest springs the Northeast has experienced in many years. more>>

CURRENT CROP CONDITIONS
4-14-2003
Drought concerns are beginning to surface again since we have not received significant rain or snow. more>>

Last Minute Planting Preparations
4-11-2003
more>>

Calibrate Your Sprayer Before Use
4-11-2003
Calibrate your sprayer before you need it. more>>

Precision Planting
4-10-2003
Planting 32,000 seeds/acre at 5.5 mph will drop about 15 seeds per second. more>>

Nitrogen Management
4-8-2003
more>>

2002 Crop Report From Eastern ND and Western MN
10-1-2002
Variability is the word! There is a drought in most of ND, yet we have widespread crop loss due to EXCESSIVE rains in MN. more>>

Consultants' View: Soybean Expansion
1-19-2001
More soybean acres are being planned for 2001 in the cornbelt. more>>

Consultants' View: Soil Insects
1-18-2001
Wireworms and grape colaspis larvae are insects to watch this spring. more>>

Consultants' View: Balancing Contradictions
1-17-2001
Contradictions seen in the crop consulting industry. more>>

Consultants' View: Alfalfa Seeding Rate
1-16-2001
Seed calibration is important to determine differences in seeding rates of alfalfa. more>>

Consultants' View: Work Hard, Play Hard
1-15-2001
Crop Quest employees take advantage of off-season. more>>

Consultants' View: Pesticide Programs
1-12-2001
Producers and consultants should remember the legal rates of pesticide application. more>>

Consultants' View: Black Cutworm Moth Damage
1-11-2001
Scout for cutworm damage to seedlings before it becomes significant. more>>

Consultants' View: Round-Up Ready Technology
1-9-2001
Farmers question post-emerge application vs. pre-emerge application. more>>

Consultants' View: Know Your Cost of Production
1-8-2001
Farmers should understand production variables and their impact on the bottomline. more>>

Best Value in Zinc Fertilizer
1-8-2001
Are organic complexes more effective fertilizers than inorganic fertilizers? more>>

Consultants' View: Northwest Kansas Update
1-5-2001
Despite hard times, producers' attitudes are good. more>>

Consultants' View: Weather Impact on Pests
1-4-2001
What insects will producers see in 2001? more>>

Consultant's Counsel: Plan Nitrogen Needs Now
1-3-2001
As harsh winter weather continues to freeze much U.S. cropland, timing spring fertilizer applications will be essential to the 2001 growing season. more>>

Wireworms-The Unplanned Pest
1-2-2001
Unplanned wireworm populations can cause serious damage to corn seedlings. more>>

Consultants' View: Cost Effective Corn Herbicide Programs
1-2-2001
The most profitable herbicide program is not always the cheapest. more>>

Consultants' View: Highly Productive Agriculture
12-29-2000
Production developments have allowed conservation of land and natural habitats. more>>

Consultants' View: Plant and Sell Quality Crops
12-28-2000
Stored grain should be well-monitored to ensure good quality. more>>

Revoking the WPS Exemption
12-27-2000
Growers should be aware of EPA efforts and how they could effect farms. more>>

Consultant's Letter to Santa
12-23-2000
What does a farmer ask Santa to bring him for Christmas? more>>

Consultants' View: Budget Your Expenses
12-22-2000
Producers must budget their expenses as the cost of pesticide, fertilizer and energy rises. more>>

Consultants' View: Choosing Your Hybrids
12-21-2000
Consultant offers guidelines to help producers develop hybrid plans. more>>

Consultants' View: Importance of Soil Sampling
12-20-2000
Soil sampling can help improve the environment and reduce costs. more>>

Consultants' View: Commercial Fertilizer or Manure?
12-19-2000
Determining the cost effectiveness of replacing commercial fertilizer with manure. more>>

Consultants' View: Plains Wheat Condition
12-18-2000
Most High Plains wheat is vulnerable to the winter elements. more>>

What Is Success?
12-18-2000
Is it true "we are what we own," or does success mean more? more>>

Consultants' View: Economical Weed Control
12-15-2000
Two-application herbicide program is an effective control method. more>>

Consultants' View: Soybean Pests and Diseases
12-14-2000
Concerns about bean leaf beetles and Asian aphids in Midwest soybeans. more>>

ALS Resistance in Black Nightshade
12-13-2000
Consultant says, "For every weed problem solved, a new one will take its place." more>>

December Pasture Maintenance
12-12-2000
Winter management practices for overgrazed pastures. more>>

Consultants' View: Wheat Emergence Slow
12-11-2000
Experts say fall-emerging wheat yields much more than wheat emerging in the spring. more>>

Consultant Sees High Levels of Nitrates
12-8-2000
Due to a dry summer, high nitrate levels are found in soil and feed samples. more>>

Consultant Warns of Weed Resistance
12-7-2000
Keys to managing weed population resistance to herbicides. more>>

Consultants' View: Take Advantage of Advice
12-6-2000
Farmers should develop a group of advisors to offer expertise in a technical industry. more>>

Consultants' View: Plan for 2002 Alfalfa Seedings
12-5-2000
Planning ahead can be a profitable move for alfalfa producers. more>>

Consultants' View: High Plains Wheat Condition
12-4-2000
Plains wheat growth slowed and some susceptible to wind and erosion. more>>

Zinc Fertilizer
12-4-2000
Zinc fertilizers should be at least 50% water soluble to be effective. more>>

Consultant's View:
12-1-2000
Winter brings more relaxed schedules for some crop consultants. more>>

Corn Borer Not a Threat to Illinois
11-30-2000
Odds are against serious corn borer infestation in the Midwest during 2001. more>>

Consultant's View: What Shade of Gray?
11-29-2000
Guidelines to follow when solving "ethical dilemas". more>>

Variety Selection
11-28-2000
Major concerns when selecting seed varieties for the 2001 season. more>>

Natural Gas Alternatives
11-27-2000
In order to irrigate, High Plains producers may need to seek alternatives to natural gas. more>>

New Crop Varieties
11-27-2000
How do you decide which crop varieties should be planted in 2001? more>>

Consultants View: Year-End Review
11-22-2000
Year-end reviews allow producers and consultants to focus on better farming and relationships. more>>

Wheat in the Northeast
11-21-2000
About 95% of stands seeded were good in northeastern states. more>>

Crop Quest Holds Annual Meeting
11-20-2000
Eighty-one agronomists share ideas and information at "Full Staff Training." more>>

The Ethanol Debate
11-20-2000
Cleaner burning biofuels, such as ethanol, could increase demand for some farm commodities. more>>

Consultants Continue Education
11-17-2000
Servi-Tech training sessions address a wide range of crop consulting topics. more>>

Corn Rootworm Spreading in IL, IN
11-16-2000
See if corn rootworm will be popping up in your cornfields next spring. more>>

Tidal Wave of Change
11-15-2000
Learning to deal with the changes of agriculture. more>>

The Paradox of Precision Ag
11-14-2000
Nine paradoxes and trends evident in new world of Precision Agriculture. more>>

Consulting View: Control of Weeds in Plains Wheat Crops
11-13-2000
What herbicide is effective in controlling true cheat, downy brome and other bromus species? more>>

Consulting the Issues for Fall
11-10-2000
Fall fertilization, soil sampling and winter weed control are issues growers must address. more>>

Consultant's View: Midwest Corn Update
11-9-2000
An overview of 2000 corn production in Illinois, Indiana and Iowa. more>>

Crop Planning Is Crucial
11-8-2000
Producers should be cautious when planning to make a cut back on fertilizer application. more>>

Plains Wheat Receives Rain
11-7-2000
Farmers concerned about meeting Nov. 1 insurance deadline. more>>

Moving On
11-7-2000
Consulting firms form business alliances. more>>

Selling Advice - Everyone Wants to Play ... Now!
11-6-2000
The worlds of agriculture consulting and agriculture retail may be converging and competing. more>>

Wireworms-The Unplanned Pest
1-1-2000
Unplanned wireworm populations can cause serious damage to corn seedlings. more>>
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