Agronomy

Lep Monitoring Network – Time to Scout for Western Bean Cutworm, Update # 14

Corn earworm eggs and larvae on leaf

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/lep-monitoring-network-%E2%80%93-time-scout-western-bean-cutworm-update by Stephanie Pflaum, Amy Raudenbush, Maddie Brillhart, Trevor Corboy, Allen Gahler, Don Hammersmith, Mary Jo Hassen, Ed Lentz, CCA, Kendall Lovejoy, Sarah Noggle, Les Ober, CCA, Jordan Penrose, Beth Scheckelhoff, Mike Sunderman, Frank Thayer, Kyle Verhoff, Jacob Winters, Kayla Wyse, Curtis Young, CCA, Andy Michel, Kelley Tilmon

We have just finished out our fourteenth week of monitoring at the Lep Network. This past week, we saw WBC numbers trending down and CEW numbers close to zero across the state.  Western bean cutworm numbers topped out with Sandusky County having the highest average by far of 38 moths. As for corn earworm, Putnam was the only county to report any CEW sightings for this past week and averaged 0.3 moths in the county. Western bean cutworm populations across Ohio have most likely hit their peak numbers of the season and a decline should be expected. While we are most likely beginning to round out of the peak for this pest, any counties with averages that are still above 7 should continue scouting until their county numbers have declined.

Western Bean Cutworm numbers are peaking in many counties across the state
This past week was our fifth week monitoring for WBC in Ohio. The statewide average for WBC decreased substantially from 9.3 during the week ending on July 14th to only 1.9 for the week ending July 21st. The counties with the highest averages are Sandusky (38.0) and Lorain (8.0) (Figure 1). Here at the Lep Network, we are fairly certain that we have already seen our peak in WBC moths for this year and are starting the decline. Despite this shift in numbers, it is still important to be scouting for WBC egg masses (Figure 2), especially if this week’s average topped 7 moths in your county. Counties that should continue scouting this week are: Defiance, Huron, Lorain, Sandusky, Wayne, and Wood.

Continue reading Lep Monitoring Network – Time to Scout for Western Bean Cutworm, Update # 14 →

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: Projection for the Weeks of July 21 and 29

Corn contaminated by vomitoxin

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-projection by Pierce Paul, Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Aaron Wilson, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

This week we continue providing updates pertaining to the projected risk of grain contamination with the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), which is commonly referred to as vomitoxin. This week, the focus is on fields reaching the silking or R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4. Using temperature and RH data from CFAES weather stations across the state of Ohio as predictors, the chance (or probability) of vomitoxin contamination of corn grain was estimated using models developed in the Paul lab. Models were run separately on data from each of nine weather stations for 15 silking dates from July 21 to August 4. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the 15-day pre-silking model prediction window, which may be specific for each area of the state and field within that area.

Based on weather data collected from CFAES weather stations located in Ashtabula (LAT: 41.8846, LON: -80.6978), Franklin (LAT: 40.0112, LON: -83.0442), Noble (LAT: 39.7478, LON: -81.5167), Jackson (LAT:  39.0519, LON: -82.6367), Sandusky (LAT: 41.3503, LON: -83.1219), Wood (Latitude:  41.2847, Longitude: -83.8444), Pike (LAT: 39.0681, LON: -83.0144), Clark (LAT: 39.8633, LON: -83.6721), and Wayne (LAT: 40.7787, LON: -81.9308) Counties, OH, grain developing in corn fields in close proximity to the stations that reach the R1 growth stage between July 21 and August 4 are at high risk of being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON.     

Our models were not developed to predict whether vomitoxin will be 2, 5, 8, or 10 ppm, they only predict whether vomitoxin will be ≥ 1 ppm. Whether or not contamination will be considerable higher that 1% will depend on other factors such as hybrid maturity and susceptibility, field location, tillage, and crop rotation, as well as weather conditions. Under favorable weather conditions, a highly susceptible hybrid planted no-till into corn stubble will likely be contaminated with vomitoxin well above 1 ppm compared to a tilled field of a moderately resistant hybrid planted after beans.

These model predictions can be used to help you determine if a fungicide for vomitoxin management would be beneficial. However, no single management strategy will be fully effective again vomitoxin. Even with a fungicide application, hybrid resistance is critical for achieving low vomitoxin levels at harvest. Treated fields planted with partially resistant hybrids will often have lower levels of vomitoxin at harvest than treated fields planted with susceptible hybrids. Two of the most effective products for vomitoxin management are Proline and Miravis Neo. These fungicides tend to be most effective when applied at R1 when silks are still wet. Applications made after silks are dry and brown are considerably less effective at reducing vomitoxin. The fungicide must penetrate the canopy and reach the corn silks to be effective.

These models are the first step towards the development of a prediction tool that would be available to growers to run on a daily basis during pollination to assess vomitoxin risk at their field location. The current model development has been generously supported by the Corn Marketing Board through your corn check-off. As more data are collected, models will be developed to predict the risk of higher levels of contamination (2 ppm, 5 ppm, etc etc).

More information on vomitoxin risk assessment and management in corn can be found in this corn newsletter article: https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8

Estimates of the risk of DON contamination of corn grain are provided at no cost within the state of Ohio. The model developers, The Ohio State University, and funding agencies cannot guarantee prediction accuracy. Users should always consult extension educators and state and field specialist when making disease and mycotoxin management decisions.

Check Roots for Soybean Cyst Nematode: What’s Your Number?

Soybean Cyst Nematode in hand

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-24/check-roots-soybean-cyst-nematode-what%E2%80%99s-your-number by Horacio Lopez-Nicora

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is quietly expanding its presence in Ohio, with increasing numbers across the state. Fields affected by SCN might not show aboveground visible symptoms, but SCN females can be detected attached to soybean roots six to eight weeks after planting. We encourage Ohio soybean growers to actively manage SCN by checking roots for the presence of SCN. If you’re unsure whether you have SCN in your fields, take a walk through your fields with a shovel, digging up plants every 30 to 50 paces. Carefully remove soil from the roots (a water bucket can help) and look for SCN females (Fig. 1). Initially white to cream, turning yellow and eventually brown, SCN females are significantly smaller than nitrogen-fixing nodules (Fig. 1). The SCN females will eventually fill with over 200 eggs, transforming into cysts that protect the eggs and allow them to survive for several years in infested fields. We encourage growers, agronomists, and crop consultants to check soybean roots for SCN throughout July, August, and September.

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Figure 1. Soybean roots infested with SCN. Note the significantly smaller lemon-shape SCN female (red circle) attached to roots compared to larger nitrogen-fixing nodules (yellow circle).

Knowing if you have SCN is the first step in managing it effectively. Watch this video to learn how to check your roots for SCN females. If SCN is detected in your field, a fall soil sample can determine your SCN numbers and help tailor appropriate management strategies. If you are already planting SCN-resistant varieties, checking roots can help evaluate the effectiveness of your resistance management or identify if the SCN population in your field is adapting to those resistant varieties (a shift in virulence).

Maintaining low SCN levels is much easier than reducing high numbers below damage thresholds. With support from the Ohio Soybean Council and The SCN Coalition, we can process up to two soil samples per grower for SCN testing, free of charge [read more here]. Share your #SCNRootCheck photos on social media by tagging @TheSCNCoalition on Twitter and Facebook, and @Ohiosoycouncil on Twitter and @ohiosoybeancouncil on Facebook.

Join OABA for the 4R Technology Review Field Day on August 28

Education of audience on wagon

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-23/join-oaba-4r-technology-review-field-day-august-28 by Aaron Heilers

Ohio AgriBusiness Association invites you to attend the free 2024 4R Technology Review Field Day.

The OABA 4R Technology Review Field Day event will bring together experts in the field of agriculture technology and conservation to share their knowledge and best practices for implementing 4R nutrient management. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest technology and techniques in fertilizer management, precision agriculture, and soil health. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest advances in agriculture and connect with industry experts.

Join OABA for a day of informative presentations, field demonstrations, and networking opportunities. This event is perfect for farmers, crop advisers, ag retailers, and anyone else interested in maximizing crop yield and improving the quality of Ohio’s waterways.

Six hours of Continuing Education Credits will be available for Certified Crop Advisers in attendance.

The event will take place August 28, 2024 at The Ohio State University Wooster Campus Secrest Aboretum, 1680 Madison Ave., Wooster, OH 44691. Please register online by clicking here.

Educational demonstrations and sessions for the day include:

  • Suflur, phosphours, and nitrogen management
  • Manure sensing equipment
  • Drones in agriculture
  • Best soil sampling practices

Register for Soil Health Field Day on August 15

Hand holding soil

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-23/register-soil-health-field-day-august-15 by Stephanie Karhoff, CCA, Randall Reeder, Amanda Douridas, CCA

Join Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio No-Till Council in partnership with Cargill RegenConnect® on Thursday, August 15 for a Soil Health Field Day featuring leading experts and hands-on field demonstrations.

The event will be held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center (135 OH-38, London, OH 43140; East end of Farm Science Review exhibit area). Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a welcome message from Janelle Leach, Conservation Agronomist with Cargill, at 9:15 a.m. Morning sessions will include the following:

  • Cover Crop Management & Termination – Dr. Alyssa Essman, The Ohio State University
  • Rain Fall Simulator and Slake Test – Jay & Ann Brandt
  • Cover Crop Selection Decisions & Planting Rates and Timing – Jason Hartschuh, The Ohio State University

Free lunch courtesy of our sponsors will be followed by keynote speaker Dr. Paul Jasa of University of Nebraska-Lincoln discussing “What Research Shows about No Till Systems and Cover Crops.”

The field day will close with a farmer panel discussion and additional time to interact with vendors. Register online by clicking here.

Thinking of Grain Market from Field: Updated 2024 Planting Estimates and Market Outlook

Article taken from https://u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/2024/07/04/thinking-of-grain-market-from-field-updated-2024-planting-estimates-and-market-outlook/ by Dr. Seungki Lee, Department of Agricultural, Environmental, and Development Economics,  The Ohio State University

Click here to access a PDF of this report

 

Highlights 

  • Despite relatively hot and dry conditions, new crop growth is plain sailing.
  • Corn acreage is estimated to be larger than expected.
  • US grain stocks for both corn and soybeans are the highest post-Covid.
  • Ohio on-farm soybean stock is 64% higher than in 2023.

Introduction

Summer is a busy season for grain producers, leaving little time to analyze the market and strategize sales plans. Nevertheless, the first week of July is a good time to take a “10,000-foot view” of the market, as the USDA releases several important reports by the end of June. In this article, we will discuss grain market outlook by reviewing the USDA new crop planting estimates, WASDE report, and grain stocks report.

Continue reading Thinking of Grain Market from Field: Updated 2024 Planting Estimates and Market Outlook →

Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection

Article taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/risk-corn-grain-contamination-vomitoxin-ohio-2024-july-8 by Jason Hartschuh, CCA, Pierce Paul, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

Mycotoxins, specifically deoxynivalenol (DON), commonly referred to as vomitoxin, has become a significant problem for Ohio corn growers. What was once considered an every-ten-year problem, has now become a yearly challenge in some sections of the state. DON contamination of grain is often associated with Gibberella ear rot (GER), a disease caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum. The Ohio State University Cereal Pathology Lab led by Dr. Pierce Paul has been researching and developing weather-based models to predict when weather conditions are favorable for DON contamination of corn grain. The current models have an 80% accuracy at predicting when conditions are favorable for grain to be contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON, meaning that based on data collected so far, the models are correct about 8 out of 10 times at predicting whether DON contamination will reach or exceed 1 ppm.

The fungus that produces DON infects corn ears during pollination while silks are wet (R1 growth stage). Each week, we will be updating the models and share estimates of the chance of grain in various parts of the state being contaminated with at least 1 ppm DON. This information will be made available through the C.O.R.N newsletter. Predictions generated by these models should only be applied to corn pollinating during the model’s prediction model’s prediction window, which is specific for each area of the state and field within that area. As a result, each week predictions will likely change for the corn that is pollinating based on changes in weather conditions. Similarly, during any given week, predictions will likely change from one field to another based on hybrid maturity, planting date, and weather condition, all of which affect the silking/pollination window.

Continue reading Risk of Corn Grain Contamination with Vomitoxin in Ohio in 2024: July 8 Projection →

Certified Crop Adviser Exam Online Study Course

Image Credit: United Soybean Board

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/certified-crop-adviser-exam-online-study-course by Greg LaBarge, CPAg/CCA, Lee Beers, CCA, Amanda Douridas, CCA, Stephanie Karhoff, CCA

This online course will help those aspiring to become Certified Crop Advisers prepare for the program’s required exams. The self-paced course covers fundamental crop production concepts included in the local and International Certified Crop Adviser exam.

Key concepts in the program’s four competency areas of nutrient management, soil & water management, pest management, and crop management are covered. The course includes video instruction, example quizzes, and resource materials. The highlighted resource materials include free items such as factsheets and guides and for-sale publications available for more in-depth study.

Course instructors are seasoned Certified Crop Advisers with OSU Extension. Amanda Douridas, Madison County Ag/NR Extension Educator; Stephanie Karhoff, Field Specialist Agronomic Systems; Lee Beers, Trumbull County Ag/NR Extension Educator; and Greg LaBarge, Field Specialist Agronomic Systems serve as instructors.

Registration for the course is open now through October 31, 2024. Enrollees have 24/7 access to course content through December 31, 2024. The registration fee is $155. To register and make the secure online payment, use the link: https://go.osu.edu/ccaonline.

Find general information about the CCA program at https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/. Information on the Ohio program can be found at https://www.oaba.net/aws/OABA/pt/sp/cca.

Have you Registered for the July 31st Cover Crop ‘Til You Drop Field Day?

Soil depth tool next to crop

Article is taken from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-22/have-you-registered-july-31st-cover-crop-%E2%80%98til-you-drop-field-day by Amber Emmons, CCA, Rachel Cochran, CCA

We are now only three weeks away from Ohio State University Extension’s Water Quality Team field day: Cover Crop ‘Til You Drop! View the video below for more information about this conservation-focused field day.

The field day will begin at 9:00 AM on Wednesday, July 31st, 2024, at 13079 Rd 10L, Ottawa, OH. The field day will wrap up at 2:00 PM with an optional wetland tour to follow. The keynote speaker for this event will be Dr. Manbir Rakkar, Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management State Specialist with The Ohio State University Extension. She will discuss how cover crops interact with both soil health and water quality.

Have you registered yet? We hope to see you on July 31st! Visit go.osu.edu/24WQTeamFieldDay or contact Rachel Cochran at Cochran.474@osu.edu with questions.

Nutrient Value of Wheat Straw

Photo Courtesy of Curtis Young

Article from https://agcrops.osu.edu/newsletter/corn-newsletter/2024-21/nutrient-value-wheat-straw by Laura Lindsey, Ed Lentz, CCA, Eric Richer, CCA

Before removing straw from the field, it is important for farmers to understand the nutrient value. The nutrient value of wheat straw is influenced by several factors including weather, variety, and cultural practices. Thus, the most accurate values require sending a sample of the straw to an analytical laboratory. However, “book values” can be used to estimate the nutrient value of wheat straw. In previous newsletters, we reported that typically a ton of wheat straw contains approximately 11 pounds of N, 3.7 pounds of P2O5, and 29 pounds of K2O. According to the 2024 Second Quarter Fertilizer Prices Across Ohio bulletin (https://u.osu.edu/ohioagmanager/2024/04/15/2024-second-quarter-fertilizer-prices-across-ohio/) and nutrient removal “book values”, one ton of wheat straw would remove approximately $14.12 of P2O5 & K2O.

Continue reading Nutrient Value of Wheat Straw →

Register for Paulding’s Agricultural Technology and Farm Data Course!

Ohio State University Extension Paulding County and Rhodes State College are partnering to provide a three-part education series focused on showing farmers how to use the data they are already collecting on their operations. Most farms are already collecting many kinds of data, including field boundaries, yield maps, soil test results, etc. This course will show attendees how to combine this data with publicly available data layers such as elevation and soils maps to better understand the performance of their management practices. The first session will take place from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024, at the Paulding County Extension Office. Continue reading Register for Paulding’s Agricultural Technology and Farm Data Course! →

NW Ohio Agronomy Day

Join Henry County Extension at their NW Ohio Agronomy Day at the Bavarian Haus in Deshler, OH on Wednesday, February 7 from 8:00 AM until 3 PM.  If you plan to attend, please take a moment, and register on the registration link.  CCA, Commercial, and Private Pesticide Credits will be available. Speakers will include Bruce Clevenger (Economics of Drainage), Dr. Vinayak Shedekar (Drainage Water Recycling), Alan Leininger (Spray Drones), Michael Staton (Management of White Mold in Soybeans), Greg Labarge (Fertilizer Management). Additionally, if you need fertilizer or pesticide credits the day will continue from 3:00 – 4:00 PM.

See the official agenda here. 

 

eFields Available digitally

The 2023 eFields report will provide summaries of on-farm research trials conducted around the state. Printed copies are available to you at no cost via the Paulding County Extension.

You can see past reports online at www.go.osu.edu/eFields. Additionally, we would like your help in shaping the future of our research efforts. The following is a survey go.osu.edu/eFieldsImpact to help with our direction in 2024.

Northern Ohio Crops Day

Join OSU Extension in Sandusky County for the 2024 Northern Ohio Crops Day on Thursday, February 1, 2024, from 8:00 AM until 3:30 PM at Ole Zim’s Wagon Shed (1387 SR 590, Gibsonburg, OH 43431). Registration Deadline: January 25, 2024. Call OSUE Sandusky County to RSVP at (419) 334-6340. The cost is $55.

Education Credits offered:
•3 hours private pesticide applicator Categories 1,2,3,6 and core. Others by request
•2.5 hours commercial pesticide applicator Categories 2A,2B, Core
• 1-hour fertilizer applicator re-certification
•Certified Crop Advisors CEUs

To view the official flyer and schedule click the 2024 NOH Crops Day agenda.

Registration required for 2024 Pesticide and Fertilizer Recertification in Paulding County on January 30, 2024

Greetings all,

Registration is required for the January 30, Fertilizer and Pesticide Recertification in Paulding County.  We now have a link to register online and we now also have a credit card payment option. You must have an email address to pay by credit card. You may also scan the QR Code to register and pay.

  • Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Fertilizer Recertification 8:30 AM – 9:30 AM; Pesticide Recertification 9:45 AM – 12:45 PM
  • Pre-registration is mandatory for this event. Spots are limited. No walk-ins.
  • Location: Paulding County Extension Office, 503 Fairground Drive, Paulding OH 45879
  • Cost: PAT $35, FERT $10, Combo $45
  • Registration Information: RSVP by January 26. Limited seats for this meeting. Light snacks are provided with registration.
  • Contact: Sarah Noggle, noggle.17@osu.edu, (419) 399-8225
  • Registration Link: go.osu.edu/PauldingPATFERT24

You are invited to the 2024 Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting

Dear Past, Present, and potential Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Members,

You are invited to attend the 2024 OFGC Annual Meeting that will be held on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Deerassic Park Education Center in Cambridge, Ohio. We encourage all Ohioans with an interest in forage production to attend. We hope you will consider attending and renewing your OFGC membership. The mission of OFGC is to enhance the profitability of Ohio Farmers through the use of forage and grassland resources.  Your membership will invite you to several forage-related field days throughout the year, automatic membership to the American Forage and Grassland Council, and a free subscription to Progressive Forage Grower magazine. Official Registration and Flyer with Speaker Details Continue reading You are invited to the 2024 Ohio Forage and Grasslands Council Annual Meeting →

Farm Science Review is just around the corner!

LONDON, Ohio – More than 50 companies will join the ranks as exhibitors for the 61st Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center. The new exhibitors represent various sectors in the agriculture industry including livestock handling, equipment advancements, agronomic technology, agricultural policy, and more.

Paulding County Extension Office has tickets for sale at a discounted price total of $10 per ticket. Tickets will be for sale until Monday, September 18 at noon. Continue reading Farm Science Review is just around the corner! →

Northwest Agronomic Field Day on August 31

This year’s Northwest Agronomic Field Day at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station (4240 Range Line Road, Custar, OH 43511) will be on Thursday, August 31st. Registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and the program will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by a free lunch courtesy of the Ohio Soybean Council at 12:00 p.m. There’s no cost to attend, but RSVP is requested by August 25 at go.osu.edu/nwfieldday23.

2023 NW Field Day Flyer

Alfalfa Weevil is in the County

For those of you who have Alfalfa in the county, be on the lookout for Alfalfa weevil. These are pictures shared with me last week.  A few weeks ago in the CORN Newsletter information was shared about scouting for this pest.

Alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly for weevils until at least the first harvest.  Follow-up scouting may be needed after the first harvest in heavily infested fields.

Spot problem fields early by checking alfalfa tips for feeding damage – small holes and a tattered appearance.  Fields that have a south-facing slope tend to warm up sooner and need to be checked for weevil earlier.

Green alfalfa weevil larvae (the main feeding stage) at various growth stages, and brown adults. Photo by Julie Peterson, University of Nebraska.

Here is a video about scouting weevils in alfalfa:  https://forages.osu.edu/video Continue reading Alfalfa Weevil is in the County →