Author(s): Osler Ortez, Alexander LindseyWith >70% of mature corn and harvest season just started it is time for a brief update on dry down and potential lodging issues post-recent storms. Cooler than normal temperatures and wetter than normal precipitation can impact corn drydown. We recently transitioned to cooler temperatures as well as ample precipitation in many parts of the state.
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Author(s): Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Kyle VerhoffThis year is presenting many challenges when it comes to forage toxicity and ensuring that we have safe feed for our livestock. Drought conditions have led to an active discussion on forage toxicity and the potential for frost in the future presents an additional concern. These environmental conditions increase the risk of prussic acid poisoning, nitrate poisoning, and increased bloat in multiple methods of feeding forages. Recent rainfall has finally allowed for rapid forage growth but unfortunately in some species, this rapid growth poses a risk to your livestock during future frost events.
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Author(s): Osler OrtezThe last USDA Crop Progress & Condition report (
week ending 9/29/24) indicated that 96% of Ohio’s corn acreage was at the dented stage (R5), 70% of corn was mature (R6), and 16% was harvested for grain. All of last week’s progress was well ahead of 2023 and the 5-year average for this time of the year. On the same report, 6% of corn was rated as very poor, 17% as poor, 38% as fair, 36% as good, and only 3% as excellent.
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Author(s): Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCAHow can farmers adapt to changing climate while increasing agricultural production and protecting the environment?
A multi-year integrated modeling effort led by Ohio State experts in partnership with a stakeholder advisory team focused on the Eastern Corn Belt Region has focused on answering this question. The research studied farmer attitudes, future weather outcomes, and various agricultural production scenarios on soil and water outcomes. Join us for an insightful webinar, Understanding Agroecosystem Tradeoffs in a Changing Climate, on Monday, October 14, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. EST via Zoom. More…
Drought conditions followed by rainfall from recent storms are impacting crop quality. For soybean, we have received reports of pod shatter, seed sprouting, and fungus development (
Figure 1). For corn, we have reports of lodging (
Figure 2) as well as potential concerns related to kernel sprouting and ear molds.
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Author(s): Taylor Dill, Osler Ortez, Laura LindseyIn Episode 28, we are in the field with Dr. Osler Ortez to cover more information on corn harvest considerations, including corn ear orientation and test weight.
Figure 1. Example of droopy ears possible due to late season drought stress and cannibalization of carbohydrates in the plant.
As we embark on corn harvest, besides considering stalk quality and standability, another issue to keep an eye on is “droopy ears” (Figure 1). Droopy ears along with stalk lodging can occur because of late season drought stress and cannibalization in the plant (plants removing carbohydrates from the leaves, stalk, and roots to the developing ear). This can lead to premature black layer and reduced yields. More…
