Recent Updates

25 May 2017

Southwestern Corn Borer in Non-Bt Corn

25 May 2017
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SWCB Larva (click to enlarge)

Moth traps catches clearly indicate that the first generation flight is peaking (link to moth trap catches). Local moth catches may vary considerably, and that is why we suggest running pheromone traps on your farm if you are growing non-Bt corn. The highest trap catches are on farms in U.S. Fish and Wildlife Refuges, primarily because they are not allowed to grow Bt corn. Please link to the publication below for more information about the management of this pest.  Below, I’ve also provided the suggested treatment threshold for southwestern corn borers in non-Bt corn during the whorl stage. Continue reading →

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24 May 2017

Follow Up Questions on Reports of Poor Palmer Amaranth Control with Dicamba

24 May 2017
Author:  1 Comment

The blog on inconsistent dicamba performance on Palmer amaranth has caused some follow up questions.

Is there any difference between Engenia, Xtendimax and Clarity for actual Palmer amaranth control? NO. I know from repeated research with all three that they all perform fairly well on a 1 to 4” Palmer amaranth.  They all often need follow up applications on Palmer that is larger than 4”.

Are PRE applied herbicides needed in Xtend soybeans?  YES. The folks to date who have had issues with dicamba performance were not using any PRE applied herbicides. It is hard to get good coverage in those thick mats of pigweeds where PREs have not been used.

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23 May 2017

Crop Progress – Tennessee and U.S.

23 May 2017
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CORN PLANTING NEARS COMPLETION

Corn producers were wrapping up planting with some switching planters over to soybeans. High winds hindered spraying and caused lodging in wheat in some areas. Hay cutting was in full swing. Although hay quality was generally good, many producers reported below average yields. Cattle producers reported a few instances of insect pressure on their herds. There were 5.8 days suitable for field work. Topsoil moisture was 1 percent very short, 7 percent short, 79 percent adequate and 13 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture was 5 percent short, 77 percent adequate and 18 percent surplus. Continue reading at TN_05_22_17. The U.S. Crop Progress report can be read at CropProg-05-22-2017.

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23 May 2017

UT Commodity Market Update 5/23/2017

23 May 2017
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Corn: Over the last 30 days, September corn futures have increased by $0.11. The increase can be attributed to the reduction in corn acres for 2017. The low prices of corn futures caused many farmers to increase their bean acres at the expense of corn acres. As a result, corn futures are showing signs of potentially creeping higher through the growing season. Of course, this all hinges upon the growing conditions of the crop. However, the stage has been set for a chance at higher corn prices.

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23 May 2017

UT Cotton Scout School This Friday

23 May 2017
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The University of Tennessee Cotton Insect Scout School is scheduled for Friday, May 26 at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jackson. The address in 605 Airways Blvd, Jackson TN. There is no fee, and preregistration is not required.  Registration begins at 8:00 AM with the program starting at 8:30. Content will include hands-on training with an optional ‘go-to-the-field session’ after a box lunch. Topics covered will include cotton development, identification of insects (and their damage) weed and diseases and their damage, and weed identification.

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21 May 2017

Tennessee Market Highlights

21 May 2017
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Corn and wheat was up; soybeans were down; and cotton was mixed for the week. The USDA is currently projecting 2017 corn production at 14.065 billion bushels. To arrive at this number the USDA is currently estimating 90 million acres planted (82.4 million acres harvested) and a trend line yield of 170.7 bu/acre. With planting approaching 80% complete, projected yield will soon be the primary focus for traders, as small changes in yield could have big consequences in production and price. For example, if trend yield is 5 bu/acre less than the current USDA projection (165.7 bu/acre), then production would be decreased 411 million bushels to 13.654 billion bushels. If use remained at the current USDA projection of 14.3 billion, then ending stocks would be 1.698 billion bushels compared to the current projection of 2.11 billion bushels. Continue reading at Tennessee Market Highlights.

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