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Iowa State University Extension
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Extension Crop Update
This newsletter, and previous issues from recent years, can be found on-line at:  
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/plymouth/info/cropupdate.htm
July 25, 2017
Volume 20, Issue #10
Prepared by
Joel DeJong,
Extension Field Agronomist
Click on photo for contact info

Dawn Henderson
Summer Intern
Rainfall last weekend was again spotty for this region. I hope we get some significant moisture over a broad area as this next system approaches. Here’s a map showing a percent of normal for the last 60 days, from water.wether.gov/precip/ :



Drought Resources – ISU does have quite a few resources that can be useful if you have questions about management issues brought on by the lack of rainfall. Here is a link to the ISU “Dealing with Drought 2017” page. Don’t forget that the ISU ICM News site also has articles from this year and past years that you can find on issues related to crops and drought. Livestock producers can find many resources on the Iowa Beef Center drought resources page – also linked from the ISU Extension page. Under the “Grazing, Pastures, Forages, Grain” tab you can find information about aflatoxin, making silage from drought stressed corn, high nitrates, early weaning and more. 
Spider Mites are favored by hot, dry temperatures. I have had a couple of phone calls from agronomists reporting that they have seen this pest in the lower corn canopy. Erin Hodgson released an ICM News article titled “Drought Stress Promotes Spider Mite Injury” yesterday that does a good job discussing the issue. She states “Exact treatment thresholds for spider mites in corn and soybean do not exist. Instead, the decision to treat should take into consideration how long the field has been infested, mite density including eggs, mite location on the plant, moisture conditions and plant appearance. A general guideline for soybean is to treat between R1-R5 (i.e., beginning bloom through beginning seed set) when most plants have mites, and heavy stippling and leaf discoloration is apparent on lower leaves. Foliar insecticides are recommended in corn from R1-R4 (i.e., silking through dough stage) when most plants have mites at or around the ear leaf and 15-20 percent leaf discoloration.” In the article there is another description of the stages of injury that you might use to make a decision, so take a look.  What products to use when treating? I think the article “Managing Spider Mites in Corn and Soybean” from the University of Nebraska in August of 2016 might outline the different product choices the best from what I have reviewed.

Soybean Aphids have become a little easier to find in the last week, but still not at high numbers. Start scouting. Remember, the treatment threshold is the 250 per plant on 80% of the plants, numbers we have mentioned for years – still plenty of time before they reach that 650 (economic loss level) number. Or for a scouting alternative, use the “speed scouting” method. To print off a copy of the speed scouting form, with directions, go here.

Farmland Leasing Arrangements Meetings - 2017
During July and August, leasing meetings will be held throughout Iowa at various locations. Workshops will last 3 hours and will be led by ISUEO farm management specialists. The 2017 meetings will focus on issues impacting rental rates and the next year in Iowa agriculture. The meetings are intended for current and prospective tenants and landlords, and will cover current cash rental rates and land value survey results; how to determine a fair cash rent for 2017-18; effective tenant/landlord communication; strategies for writing and terminating a farm lease; and other ag lease decision-making resources.  Each workshop attendee will receive a reference booklet of useful materials for farm leasing arrangements. There is a $20 per individual registration fee for all individuals who pre-register at least 2 days prior to the meeting. Any late registrants will face an additional $5 fee. Go to this website and click on the county Extension office where you would like to attend one of these meetings, and then call the number it lists to register!

 
THANKS FOR SUBSCRIBING!
Serving Cherokee, Ida, Lyon, Monona, O'Brien, Osceola, Plymouth, Sioux
and Woodbury Counties.
My mailing address is:
Iowa State University Extension & Outreach
251 12th ST SE
Le Mars, IA 51031

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