Many producers have been unable to work much in their fields this spring, making any last-minute pre-plant fertilizer applications difficult.

Ahead of rising prices this spring, Jay Fisher, agronomist for Nutrien Ag Solutions in eastern Iowa, said farmers were able to get out in the fall for most of their applications, but a wet spring may mean the need for additional supply early in the growing season.

A problem that has plagued wheat growers for decades may be nothing but a distant memory in the future.

Plant breeders have targeted the crop’s No. 1 enemy — fusarium head blight — with gusto. Many believe the disease will be all but eliminated a few decades from now.

While a wet start to the growing season may bring disease pressure, weeds will pose their own challenge in 2022.

The rain seen in much of the Midwest was a welcome sight to many as they looked to break out of a drought pattern. However, that rain has forced planting windows to tighten and with that, management windows to shrink.

A slow, wet start to planting season in the Midwest could mean a higher rate of disease pressure in fields this season.

Alison Robertson, plant pathologist with Iowa State University Extension, said these conditions are optimal for fungi and disease.

Editor’s note: The following was written by Gary Schnitkey, Krista Swanson, Nick Paulson and Jim Baltz with the University of Illinois and Carl Zulauf with Ohio State University for the farmdoc daily website May 3.

Although planting progress can quickly catch up to average levels with favorable weather, planting progress to date lags across the Corn Belt, almost matching the pace in 2019 when many acres did not get planted.

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Interested in an impossible task? Try making dry hay in early spring.

But baleage can turn spring forage harvest into “Mission: Possible.”

Editor’s note: The following was written by Erin Hodgson, Iowa State University professor, and Ashley Dean, education Extension specialist, for the Integrated Crop Management blog May 2.

Today during our Crops Team meeting, many field agronomists shared that cool soil temperatures and rain have delayed planting in Iowa, but there are some very determined farmers getting acres planted around the state.

Editor’s note: The following was written by Elizabeth Danielson, Iowa State University Extension specialist, for the Integrated Crop Management blog May 4.

When selecting a pesticide, make sure you read the label to ensure that you have the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to mix, load, and apply that product.