|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Central Iowa Crop Update
Updates from an agronomist and weed nerd in central Iowa.
|
|
|
In this issue:
- Weather update & planting considerations
- Tracking spring pest movement
- Conservation and Stewardship Opportunities
- Upcoming events - Agronomy in the Field
- Alfalfa management this spring
- Road safety tips
|
|
Weather update & planting considerations
After the nice weather earlier this month, we've hit quite the rough patch in recent days and it looks like it won't let up at least until after this weekend. We do still have a good window to get this crop planted, but it looks like the NOAA Climate Prediction Center continues to predict "cooler than average" for the early part of May. The real question will be whether rainfall will delay us once temperatures warm back up. We've got one chance to get the crop planted right, so planting in good temperature and moisture conditions should be a priority. My forecast currently says lows in the low 40s and highs in the upper 50s or low 60s for next week, which would be good to get back in the field if the rain stays away.
What about the crop already in the ground? Seed already in the ground could be at risk of imbibitional chilling or cold injury, depending on when the seed was planted ahead of cold temperatures/moisture. As soil temperatures continue to fall with the cool temperatures over this coming weekend, the seed will remain at risk for cold injury, insects, and disease. Keep an eye on fields as we approach the appropriate timeframe for emergence of crops; start watching corn when it has reached 90-120 GDDs, while soybeans may take anywhere from 90 to about 130 GDDs.
Four inch soil temperatures are currently (Friday morning) in the low 40s, but the average soil temperature for the day may be in the mid or upper 40s. Freezing conditions in the forecast will likely continue to draw those temperatures down through the weekend. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet has the average daily four inch soil temp for the past three days and now provides a kind of 'futurecast' based on the weather forecast. Just remember that the predicted average soil temp is only as good as the weather forecast is! Check those maps out here.
Check out the resources below for more information.
|
|
Tracking Spring Pest Movement
We've got several great resources to help you track pests that can be problematic in crop fields in the spring.
Black cutworm and true armyworm monitoring is happening across the state. These pests will be attracted to green fields in the spring and are generally much more problematic in corn than in soybean, though last spring some farmers had to treat soybean fields for true armyworm. Ashley Dean, extension entomology specialist, has been sharing updates regularly on our Integrated Crop Management Blog. Activity has been pretty slow to pick up in central Iowa this spring. Check out the most recent update here. Keep an eye out for updates in May regarding predicted cutting dates for black cutworm.
Seedcorn maggot adults have likely emerged across much of Iowa already and laid eggs in desirable fields, like those with high organic matter that may have recently had tillage to incorporate organic material - cover crops, manured fields, weedy fields. We'll want to scout those fields planted during that April 7-14 timeframe for seedcorn maggot this spring. Learn more about this pest here.
Make your own maps to track GDD development of several important pests on a new webpage offered on the Iowa Environmental Mesonet. Go to this webpage, click on the dropdown menu to select the pest you want to create a map for, and voila! Updated GDD maps at your fingertips in seconds.
|
|
Conservation and Stewardship Opportunities
We continue to evolve our understanding of conservation practices and their effects on our soil and its resilience to support our crops in adverse conditions. We've got lots of opportunities available to learn more about the current status of our soils and evaluate how management may effect those. One opportunity for farmers in central Iowa is to participate in the Soil Health Institute's Soil Health Targets project to help you assess your soil health. More information is listed below. Please contact Shannon Moeller at smoeller@soilhealthinstitute.org or 641-861-2280 if you're interested in participating or to get more information.
|
|
Agronomy in the Field
Agronomy in the Field is a free series of workshops for women interested in learning more about crop production. We'll have 4 more sessions this year, once per month, from May - August covering topics like forage management, corn/soybean scouting, and integrated pest management. Join us for any or all future sessions from 6-7:30 p.m. on May 23, June 20, July 18, and August 22 at the DMACC Dallas County Farm at 25749 N Ave. (US-169), Adel, IA. Contact Aleta Cochran at 515-993-4281 or aleta@iastate.edu to RSVP or for more information!
|
|
Alfalfa management this spring
As alfalfa has greened up this spring, it's a good time to evaluate stand health by scouting for winter injury in your stand.
Alfalfa weevil larvae should be active now in the southern part of central Iowa and farmers should scout fields to determine if treatment is warranted. You can scout fields by using a sweep net (if plants are tall enough) or by checking individual plants by inspecting the terminal leaflets. Read more here.
If you're interested in seeding a new stand of alfalfa, check out this ICM News article by Josh Michel, NE IA field agronomist, for some tips on getting the best start.
|
|
Road safety tips
ISU recently posted a news release with some reminders for farmers moving equipment on roads and travelers on rural roads. This is a great list to share with friends and family to keep everyone safe this spring. We've already had numerous accidents this spring involving ATVs, tractors, and other agricultural equipment on rural roads.
Tips for farmers:
- Only allow licensed, or appropriately trained, operators to take farm machinery onto the road. Youth who are able to operate machinery in the field may not be able to deal safely with traffic and other road hazards.
- Make sure farm machinery is equipped with the lighting and marking safety devices recommended by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and required by state and local laws. Be sure to remind all operators to use the appropriate hazard lights and turn signals when traveling on roads.
- Minimize total vehicle width and secure equipment in the transport position before entering roadways.
- Watch for approaching traffic and vehicles trying to pass. If possible, pull over and let traffic pass safely, but be alert for roadside hazards.
- Obey all traffic laws and signs.
- Signal intentions to motorists and avoid sudden or unexpected maneuvers.
- Exercise additional care when entering roadways, approaching unsigned or “blind” intersections, crossing narrow bridges, going around sharp corners or going over hills.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
