The weather forecast is desirable for rain the next several days. The following are considerations to heed to improve forage growth and inventory of stored feed for ruminant livestock and equine if the forecast holds true. Inventory current forage resources and routinely determine how much more forage, other than what you have at time of assessment, might be needed to get to spring grazing in 2024. If forage inventory continues to be low despite a return for more usual rainfall, strategize a plan to avoid the stress of an immediate crisis. Keep in mind that hay purchase can be expensive if delayed until late winter. The following link has many points of consideration. (Beef Management Practices: When Forages are in Short Supply Because of Drought). Scout pasture for weed species present and develop a control plan if they are competing with desired forages and/or are poisonous concerns. An excellent resource[Read More…]
42 articles tagged "2023".
The biggest challenge so far this year for Indiana corn production has been the dry conditions experienced throughout the state (Figure 1).
Armyworm Pheromone Trap Report – 2023
This week, I was contacted about a 300+ acre, 5-6 leaf cornfield with multiple problems, described as plants dying and toppling over with feeding damage at the base of the roots.
Armyworm Pheromone Trap Report – 2023
Water use for wheat, Rye. and perennials has been 1.5” to 1.8”/ week.
Insecticide recommendations for controlling in-season infestations have been updated for corn, soybean and alfalfa.
He shares weed management tips and what growers are facing right now.
Indiana soybean planting in 2023 is following the same track as 1988 and 2018, which could be devastating or bin busting! As you may or may not recall, 1988 was one of the worst droughts we have experienced. Indiana soybeans yielded 27.5 bu/ac, which was 11.5 bu less (30% reduction) than the trend yield (39 bu/ac). The only year with a faster pace was another drought year—2012. Late season rains saved the 2012 crop and Indiana yielded 44.0 bu/ac (5.8 bu below yield trend, ~12% reduction). Soybeans were planted at a fast pace in 1991 due to dry and drought conditions, but the yields were nearly unaffected (3% less than trend). Indiana has had six years that soybean planting progress was substantially faster than the five-year average (Figure 1). Three of those years were drought years (1988, 1991, 2012) while the other years (2018, 2020, 2021) were yield-breaking[Read More…]
An OISC Clean Sweep Pesticide Disposal Program designed to collect and dispose of suspended, canceled, banned, unusable, opened, unopened or just unwanted pesticides (herbicides, insecticides, rodenticides, fungicides, miticides, etc.) is being sponsored by the Office of Indiana State Chemist (OISC). This disposal service is free of charge up to 250 pounds per participant. Over 250 pounds there will be a $2.00 per pound charge. This is a great opportunity for you to legally dispose of unwanted products at little or no cost. All public and private schools, golf courses, nurseries, farmers, ag dealers, public, cities, towns, municipalities and county units of government or others receiving this notice are eligible to participate. WHEN: 9:00 am to 3:00 pm Local Time WHERE: August 15, 2023: Wayne County Fairgrounds August 16, 2023: Jackson County Fairgrounds August 17, 2023: Elkhart County Solid Waste August 22, 2023: Posey County Co-Op (Gibson County) August 23,[Read More…]