News
Agronomy Updates
Introducing Phosfix® Gen II
Posted on January 16, 2024
Phosfix® Gen II makes a good crop great; a great crop better. It is a powerful combination of phosphite, plant growth enhancers, and nutrition designed to improve yield and profit. Phosfix Gen II exhibits a unique ability to “fix” a crop during stressful events, including adverse weather [...]
4 Benefits of Banding Fertilizer with Strip Tillage
Posted on November 9, 2023
With harvest wrapping up in many areas across the country, it is time to start thinking about fall tillage and fertilizer applications. One of the tillage practices growers might consider is strip-till, a combination of no-till and conventional tillage that allows growers to band-apply fertilizer at the same time. Here [...]
Benefits of Micronutrients in an Organic Cropping System
Posted on October 11, 2023
Organic farmers face challenges in providing essential micronutrients to their crops efficiently which are vital for plant health. However, there [...]
Soybean Foliar Disease: What to Know
Posted on June 16, 2023
Like many crops, soybeans are susceptible to diseases, with fungal diseases being among the most common. These fungal diseases typically infect the leaves of soybean plants and can cause defoliation and ultimately affect overall crop yield and profits for the grower. Proper scouting and management techniques can help [...]
June Organics Update: Managing Armyworms in Organic Crops
Posted by Sierra Dice, Organic Agronomy Consultant on June 15, 2023
Over the last few weeks, I have had an increase in calls about armyworms, specifically in no-till fields that had [...]
Managing Residue in Double-Cropping Systems
Posted on June 14, 2023
No matter if growers are growing corn, wheat, or soybeans, each of these crops will need nutrients to achieve their maximum yield potential. This is especially true in a double-cropping system. One of the most cost-effective ways to provide essential nutrients to crops is through a good residue management plan. [...]
Agronomy Update
Posted on May 13, 2022
When building an effective foliar program, there are different objectives to target throughout the season: 1) encourage plant health, 2) defeat nutrient [...]
Agronomy Alert: Poor Wheat Stands in Late Planted Wheat
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on March 25, 2022
Scouting fields recently, I have encountered less than ideal wheat stands. As I scout, I evaluate the stands and discuss [...]
News: Agronomy Alert
Posted on June 24, 2021
Our Agronomist, Dave Dyson, was walking fields and noticed a common trend of sulfur deficiency in corn fields. East of [...]
October Agronomy Update
Posted on October 1, 2020
Anyone with toddler age children can attest, temper tantrums can come along quickly and with some sort of mantra [...]
Update from the Field: Kernel of Truth
Posted on September 9, 2020
There are two common questions being asked this time of year: 1) how is the corn crop progressing,  [...]
Update from the Field: Better Life through Chemistry
Posted on September 3, 2020
Across the Corn Belt, the soybean crop is maturing quickly, and the forecasted warmer weather will accelerate [...]
Update from the Field: SDS, More than just a Fungus
Posted on August 28, 2020
As my travels take me across the Corn Belt, I have noticed an increase of sudden  [...]
August Agronomy Update
Posted on August 21, 2020
If anyone has ever followed a big stover crop with a tillage tool or a planter, you know the frustration [...]
Agronomy Alert: Soybean Aphids Spotted!
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on August 7, 2020
Soybean aphids were spotted in a field just east of Waterloo, IN, at the end of July. It was [...]
July Agronomy Update
Posted on July 30, 2020
Parts of the Midwest have been experiencing hotter than normal temperatures and humidity throughout the day. These conditions are coming [...]
Agronomy Alert: Spider Mites
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on July 21, 2020
Due to the recent dry spell in some of our territories, two-spotted spider mites (Figure 1) are making their appearance this year in some of our soybean fields. Figure 1: This picture from Purdue University shows the Two-Spotted Spider Mite up close and personal. The two-spotted spider mite really does not [...]
June Agronomy Update
Posted on June 18, 2020
The vacatur issued on June 3, 2020, by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has canceled the use of XtendiMax® with [...]
Agronomy Update March 2020
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on March 20, 2020
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist The weather so far in the spring of 2020 has not been cooperative with regard to [...]
Agronomy Update February 2020
Posted by Jessica Link, Product Specialist on February 10, 2020
MANAGEMENT By Jessica Link, Product Specialist Every year, our products are tested through third-party research trials. Our research partners are [...]
Agronomy Update January 2020
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on January 9, 2020
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist As we look back at the 2019 growing season and begin preparations for 2020, a question we [...]
Agronomy Update December 2019
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on December 5, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist Three micronutrients which should be included in all starter fertilizers are boron, manganese and zinc. [...]
High Yield Solutions: Good, Better, Best
Posted on November 30, 2019
A properly-timed nutrient management program is essential for maximizing yields at harvest. Both corn and soybeans have different nutrient needs at varying stages throughout the growing season. Understanding these critical growth stages and providing adequate nutrition to the growing crop is key to maximize crop productivity and achieve higher yields [...]
Agronomy Update November 2019
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on November 11, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist It is time to think about fall fertilizer applications, particularly for pH and liming needs. [...]
Agronomy Update October 2019
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on October 24, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist The cover crop planting season is upon us. Cover crop recommendations can be as numerous [...]
UltraConvenient. UltraFlexible. UltraMate LQ
Posted on October 10, 2019
UltraMate® LQ is a sulfonated potassium humate liquid. It completely mixes when added directly to liquid fertilizer, micronutrient, or [...]
Agronomy Update September 2019
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on September 13, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist Crop residue, or “trash”, can be a major source of problems for farmers [...]
Agronomy Update July 2019
Posted by Dave Dyson, Agronomist on July 18, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist The excessive rain this spring and late planting dates, combined with increased participation in crop [...]
Agronomy Update June 2019
Posted on June 18, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Jessica Link, Product Specialist The typical spring excitement switched to high levels of stress as #plant19 became #noplant19 [...]
Agronomy Update May 2019
Posted on May 23, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist The rain just keeps on coming and delaying corn planting in the majority of the [...]
Agronomy Update April 2019
Posted on April 12, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Dave Dyson, Agronomist As the days get longer and temperatures rise, the drive to get in the field [...]
Agronomy Update March 2019
Posted on March 12, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Jessica Stacy, Product Specialist Current weather conditions have not been ideal for the ground to dry out and [...]
Agronomy Update February 2019
Posted on February 22, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Jessica Stacy, Product Specialist Every year we set out to test new products, validate current products, and try [...]
Agronomy Update January 2019
Posted on January 8, 2019
MANAGEMENT By Agronomist, Dave Dyson I would like to start the new year off right by discussing the value of [...]
Agronomy Update December 2018
Posted on December 10, 2018
MANAGEMENT By: Jessica Stacy, Product Specialist Cool and wet weather during October and November has resulted in the nation [...]
Agronomy Update November 2018
Posted on November 5, 2018
MANAGEMENT By: Jessica Stacy, Product Specialist Farming is variable. Some years are great, and you can throw everything but [...]
Agronomy Update September 2018
Posted on September 24, 2018
MANAGEMENT By Agronomist, Dave Dyson The Pro Farmer Crop Tour has wrapped up, and they have released their [...]
Agronomy Update August 2018
Posted on August 2, 2018
MANAGEMENT By Agronomists, Dave Dyson, Dani Kusner & Jessica Stacy For the past few weeks, reports have increased for different kinds of beetles attacking both corn and soybeans. The first pest is the Japanese beetle, which is normal for this time of year. The second looks [...]
Agronomy Update July 2018
Posted on July 10, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist In parts of the corn belt, quite a bit of corn was planted in a two week window. With the potential for booming corn yields and more acres than usual ripening at once, harvest may take a while to complete. The average temperature has [...]
Agronomy Update June 2018
Posted on June 13, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist When my kids start complaining about their teenage angst, the saying around my house is: [...]
Agronomy Update May 2018
Posted on May 8, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist This last month I had the opportunity to travel to North Platte, Nebraska. North [...]
Agronomy Update April 2018
Posted on April 19, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist The Three Amigos — Zinc, Manganese, and Boron The three micronutrients included in a [...]
Agronomy Update March 2018
Posted on March 15, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist Starter Additives Add Up If we want to bring our yields up to the [...]
Agronomy Update February 2018
Posted on February 12, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist Prepay season seems to be winding down across the corn belt, but before the talk [...]
Agronomy Update January 2018
Posted on January 9, 2018
MANAGEMENT By David Dyson, Agronomist As we say goodbye to the past and ring in the new year, it is [...]
Agronomy Update December 2017
Posted on December 11, 2017
MANAGEMENT THE IMPORTANCE OF ZINC Zinc is one of the micronutrients required for plant growth and development. Zinc is essential for protein synthesis, seed and grain formation, plant maturity, growth regulation, and the formation of enzyme systems. Zinc is immobile in the soil, so a constant supply is needed [...]
Agronomy Update November 2017
Posted on November 13, 2017
MANAGEMENT A properly crafted fertility program leads to the success of your crop today, tomorrow, and in the future. Including PureGrade® liquid fertilizer in your program will ensure your crop has the nutrients needed to reach its full potential. PureGrade low-salt starters are the best choice for maximizing yield [...]
Agronomy Update October 2017
Posted by Brian Banks and Amy Schroeder on October 16, 2017
MANAGEMENT By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist CORN CORN GRAIN DRY DOWN According to the USDA, corn harvest progress is well behind the five year average. Other than the recent weather delays, the corn has been roughly 5-10 days behind the average for most of this growing season. A delayed crop [...]
Agronomy Update September 2017
Posted on September 13, 2017
SCOUTING By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist CORN TEST WEIGHT AND YIELD During the month of September, conversations about yield and test weight are prevalent as harvest nears. It is often thought if the test weight is good, then the yield will be good. Or vice versa, if the test weight [...]
Agronomy Update August 2017
Posted on August 11, 2017
SCOUTING By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist CORN WESTERN BEAN CUTWORM Western bean cutworm continues to be a concern as moth flight extended for up to 6 weeks in areas. Scouting should continue to occur as treatments are needed before the larvae reach the ear and are not subjected to contacting the [...]
Agronomy Update July 2017
Posted on July 14, 2017
Scouting By Brian Banks, Senior Agronomist Overall, this season has not seen any major concerns with disease or insect infestations across the Corn Belt as a whole. It is, however, that time of year to be scouting for the following issues in corn and soybeans. Corn Western bean cutworm (WBC) [...]