Posted for Dr. Aaron Smith, Associate Professor and Extension Economist, Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture
The USDA has started accepting applications for CFAP payments to producers that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue reading
Currently, less than half of our soybean acres are planted, and as growers make the switch to beans, too much rain and warm temperatures are causing a few headaches with respect to getting fields planted and maintaining a good stand. Continue reading
A reminder that moth trapping data are updated weekly at http://www.utcrops.com/BlogStuff/2020MothTrappingData.pdf, and you can also access these data on the Quick Links of this site. Pheromone-baited traps are run for corn earworm (bollworm), tobacco budworm, and southwestern corn borer.
Currently, moth trap catches are generally low, as typically observed this time of year.
Recent burndowns that are targeting Palmer amaranth with paraquat are working quite well on that weed. Unfortunately, that is not the case on some grass weeds like barnyardgrass, junglerice and crabgrass. Once those grasses get 4” or more in height paraquat often struggles to provide good control. Continue reading
This spring has been a roller coaster for sure with respect to planting. Continue reading
Wet and cold with more rain in the forecast. Ugg! That sums up our spring planting season to date. Hopefully, next week, we will get our break and can get a good bit done in the field. When that time comes, please remember to use best management practices applying all herbicides but particularly dicamba containing products! Continue reading
The results of some studies UT Extension has done to try to determine why junglerice has become a major weed pest in Tennessee Xtend cotton and soybean acres has provided some insights. This research was in-part supported by the Tennessee Soybean Promotion Board and from Cotton Incorporated. Continue reading
This article is a reminder about some critters we need to watch for in the coming few weeks. It’s easy to let something slip through the cracks when you are distracted with planting operations. Try to circle back to emerging fields as best you’re able during the first 2-3 weeks after planting to check on plant stands and other issues.
Wheat – True armyworm is the insect most likely to cause issues at this time of year. Even so, it doesn’t commonly require treatment. However, excessive defoliation before the dough stage can reduce yields, and this pest is easily controlled with pyrethroid insecticides. The treatment threshold is 6-8 larvae per square foot while wheat is still in the milk stage. You can read more about true armyworms at Continue reading