Editor’s note: The following was written by Tamra Jackson-Ziems and Dylan Mangel, University of Nebraska Extension plant pathologist, and Talon Mues, Extension educator, for the university’s Crop Watch website June 19.
- By Tim Kenyon, Iowa Farmer Today
Josh Nelson views cover crops as another way to diversify, enhance and sustain good black soil for more production on his farm near Belmond, Iowa.
- By Ivair Valmorbida, University of Missouri
The first corn leafhoppers of the year were detected June 16 and June 22 in Missouri corn fields during routine field scouting in Boone County as part of regular in-season monitoring.
- By Crystal Reed, Illinois Farmer Today
When most people think of crops in the Midwest they think of the common offerings — corn, soybeans and wheat.
As we gear up for Iowa Corn 350, Powered by Ethanol, on Sunday, August 9, the excitement and anticipation is higher than ever. What began as a historic milestone for our state when we brought the first NASCAR Cup Series race to Iowa, has quickly grown into a premier summer tradition, capturi…
- By Marianne Stein, University of Illinois
Soils exposed to prolonged drought often develop desiccation cracks, which impact soil properties and exacerbate moisture loss through evapotranspiration.
- Tim Kenyon
MONTICELLO, Iowa — Observation with educated guidance helped about 20 participants increase understanding about grazing pasture rotations at an Iowa State University Extension event in eastern Jones County.
- By Crystal Reed, Illinois Farmer Today
Soybeans are vulnerable to all kinds of diseases that can rob yields from farmer’s fields, from red crown rot to sudden death syndrome.
- By Lauren Quinn, University of Illinois
Few pests eat away at farm profitability as much as soybean cyst nematode. Causing at least $1.5 billion in yield losses annually, it’s soybean’s single biggest threat.
- Benjamin Herrold
When it comes to implementing conservation practices on the farm, farmers consider both the economic impact of those practices as well as how they help achieve environmental goals.
- Crystal Reed Lee Agri-Media
The United States produces about $300 billion a year in agricultural commodities, and all of that is vulnerable to climate change.
- Benjamin Herrold
ROCK PORT, Mo. — Corn and soybean crops have faced a variety of weather across the Midwest to begin the growing season, with heavy rains in May and June leading to replanting decisions for some farmers.
- By Crystal Reed, Iowa Farmer Today
The United States produces approximately $300 billion a year in agricultural commodities, and all of that is vulnerable to climate change.
- Tim Kenyon
URBANA, Ill. — A deep well of curiosity and persistence motivates researchers to push for more innovation in corn seeds.
COLUMBIA, Mo. — The cost of hiring fieldwork in Missouri has risen an average of 9% since 2023, according to an update to University of Missouri Extension’s Custom Rates for Farm Services in Missouri.
Next year’s corn rootworm pressure is already taking shape. For growers who want to stay ahead of it, the time to measure that risk is now. Adult beetles are active in late spring and early summer, feeding, mating and laying the eggs that will determine next year’s pressure. For growers in h…
Editor’s note: The following was written by Krista Ehlert, associate professor and South Dakota State University Extension range specialist, for the university’s website May 18.
- Tim Kenyon
A series of recent storms rumbled through the Heartland causing damage through chunks of Iowa, Illinois and Missouri.
Editor’s note: Kim Ricardo, South Dakota State University Extension forage field specialist, wrote this article for the university’s website May 6.
- Crystal Reed
A warm and wet spring in many parts of Illinois, Iowa and Missouri has had an impact on pastures.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
OSCEOLA, Iowa — Jason Boyer finally started planting row crops May 4. Two days later, he estimated that half of his corn crop was in the ground.
- By Jeff DeYoung, Iowa Farmer Today
LITTLE ROCK, Iowa — Darwin Klaassen got off to a great start to the planting season, putting corn in the ground April 13.
- Crystal Reed
FORREST, Ill. — Kent Blunier said planting has been going slow and steady on his farm in Livingston County in eastern Illinois.
- Benjamin Herrold
LEETON, Mo. — In west-central Missouri, planting got off to a quick start with warm, mostly dry weather in March.
- Benjamin Herrold
ROCK PORT, Mo. — Under a blue sky on a spring day, brothers Craig and Pat Moore were getting their planter ready to go to kick off the 2026 planting season. At the edge of a field, the expanse of the Missouri River bottom stretched out toward the horizon. And across Atchison County in northw…