Scouting Report - June 24, 2019
Jun 24, 2019
Alfalfa – Alfalfa looks good throughout the area. Starting to see some pigweeds and other summer annual weeds in fields not treated with a residual this winter. Consider tissue testing to get an idea of nutrient levels in your alfalfa.
Wheat – Soft to Hard Dough stages. A few fields were ready to go before this weekend’s rain showers.
Corn – V3-V10 stages. Corn color seems to be improving as many fields are reaching a rapid growth stage and roots are exploring more of the soil. Fungicide application around V5 can help reduce stress. At this stage, kernels around the ear are being set, so stress now can have a negative effect on final yield. The second application of many PRE herbicides is being applied at this stage and fungicide can often be added to the tank to avoid a separate application. Watch adjuvants when spraying corn at V8 or after, as some may cause “beer can” ears.
Soybeans – Soybeans range from Emergence to V4 (4 Trifoliate). Earlier planted soybeans are looking pretty good. Starting to see some weeds pushing through the early PRE products. Understanding what variety of soybeans you have planted and what traits they include is crucial in making POST herbicide application decisions. Consider adding an additional residual product with the early POST applications to extend weed control beyond the initial burndown of present weeds. Also starting to see some insect feeding on leaves, but well below treatment levels so far.
Milo – Milo being planted throughout the area now. Timing of PRE products is very important in milo. Many producers add burndown or fertilizer to the PRE products, so application before crop emergence is crucial. Plan ahead and communicate with the co-op or your applicator to be prepared to apply your herbicide as soon as possible as the field is planted.
Harvest Safety - With wheat harvest quickly approaching, we urge producers to review harvest safety with all members of your harvest crew. For starters: check locations and status of fire extinguishers, discuss and review policies for dealing with equipment malfunctions, and make plans for rotating hours so avoid harvesting while drowsy. Check tire pressure on machinery and make sure that traps on grain trailers are greased and easy to open and close. Making plans for an emergency may seem like a discouraging or negative task, but can save lives if an accident should occur.
Wheat – Soft to Hard Dough stages. A few fields were ready to go before this weekend’s rain showers.
Corn – V3-V10 stages. Corn color seems to be improving as many fields are reaching a rapid growth stage and roots are exploring more of the soil. Fungicide application around V5 can help reduce stress. At this stage, kernels around the ear are being set, so stress now can have a negative effect on final yield. The second application of many PRE herbicides is being applied at this stage and fungicide can often be added to the tank to avoid a separate application. Watch adjuvants when spraying corn at V8 or after, as some may cause “beer can” ears.
Soybeans – Soybeans range from Emergence to V4 (4 Trifoliate). Earlier planted soybeans are looking pretty good. Starting to see some weeds pushing through the early PRE products. Understanding what variety of soybeans you have planted and what traits they include is crucial in making POST herbicide application decisions. Consider adding an additional residual product with the early POST applications to extend weed control beyond the initial burndown of present weeds. Also starting to see some insect feeding on leaves, but well below treatment levels so far.
Milo – Milo being planted throughout the area now. Timing of PRE products is very important in milo. Many producers add burndown or fertilizer to the PRE products, so application before crop emergence is crucial. Plan ahead and communicate with the co-op or your applicator to be prepared to apply your herbicide as soon as possible as the field is planted.
Harvest Safety - With wheat harvest quickly approaching, we urge producers to review harvest safety with all members of your harvest crew. For starters: check locations and status of fire extinguishers, discuss and review policies for dealing with equipment malfunctions, and make plans for rotating hours so avoid harvesting while drowsy. Check tire pressure on machinery and make sure that traps on grain trailers are greased and easy to open and close. Making plans for an emergency may seem like a discouraging or negative task, but can save lives if an accident should occur.