September 22, 2017

Stalk rots in corn
Assess the potential for stalk rots in your corn fields using the push or pinch tests and then prioritize harvest of fields with higher levels of stalk rot first.

CropWatch September 22, 2017

Corn & Soybean Production

Map indicating how various Nebraska and Kansas sites are expected to vary from average yields.

2017 Corn Yield Forecasts as of September 20

Crop modelers wrap up their forecasts of rainfed and irrigated corn yields across the Corn Belt for 2017, noting above-average yields for about 80% of the irrigated sites and more than 60% of the rainfed sites. Irrigated yields ranged from 11%-17% over long-term averages at those sites and rainfed yields at those sites were 13%-40% above average. View data for all the sites.
Lodged corn
Figure 1. Lodged corn due to stalk rot diseases. (Photo by Tamra Jackson-Ziems)

Stalk Rot Diseases in Nebraska Corn Fields

Stalk rots can be found in corn across Nebraska. This story addresses the risk factors and how to scout for stalk rots, assess stalk strength, and determine extent of damage in a field. Fields with high levels of stalk rot should be given priority at harvest to reduce yield losses due to lodging.
Chart of ISU research on rate of corn dry down

ISU Studies on Rate of Soybean and Corn Dry Down in the Field

How fast do soybeans and corn dry down in the field? That's the question Iowa State University researchers examined in studies conducted near Ames over the last three years in corn and soybean fields. These briefs share highlights from what they found and can be useful in assessing your fields.
Farm grain bins
Figure 1. The various sized bins on this farm allow for storing different moisture contents. Wetter, more dense grain works well in the smaller bins so that more airflow per bushel can be delivered. Drier grains where aeration is the primary need store well in the larger bins. If the grain is wetter, drying grain in layers can help increase airflow per bushel. (Photo by Paul Jasa)

Natural Air Drying of Binned Soybeans

If soybeans were harvested above 13% moisture, natural air drying can be used to reduce moisture to 13% for longer term storage. How long that drying takes will vary with several factors. This guide can help you estimate the length of drying for your soybean moisture, aeration system, relative humidity and temperature.

Weather

Precipitation forecast map for September 21-28 2017

Forecast for Precipitation and End-of-Season Freeze Risk

Nebraska climatologist Al Dutcher forecasts the precipitation and temperature outlook through early October and examines the freeze risk prior to corn maturity for multiple hybrids and sites across Nebraska.

Market Journal & Crop Reports

Market Journal screen capture of binning grain.

Market Journal: Preparations for Corn Harvest, Grain Market Analysis

This week's Market Journal features segments on preparing for corn harvest, the forecast for the coming week, and university research on plant survival post-hail.
Nebraska Ag District map

Crop Diseases Confirmed by PPDC Sept. 1-20

Diseases confirmed in samples submitted to the UNL Plant and Pest Diagnostic Lab since September 1, 2017 for corn, soybean, sorghum and hops.

Extension Crop Reports Sept. 18-22

Dry Bean Harvest Continues as Some Corn, Soybean Harvests Start

IANR & Extension

Timely Articles from the CropWatch Archive