Live From the Field: July Scouting Report
By: Amber Milder, Precision Ag Specialist
As another month passes, we inch closer to the harvest of our 2016 crop. This also means we will soon be saying goodbye to our 2016 interns and wishing them well as they continue their pursuit in agriculture. We have enjoyed the time they have spent on our team and are very grateful for their willingness to pitch in, even when the weather conditions were far from satisfactory.
If we look back on the month of July, it is safe to say we were kept on our toes as far as weather goes. Pollination occurred, fungicide was applied, and our silks have turned brown. Disease findings increased as the month progressed. These diseases ranged from Northern Corn Leaf Blight, Common Rust, and Grey Leaf Spot. None of these sightings were substantial but several growers did take precautions as they did not want to jeopardize their 2016 crop. We also have seen a decent population of Japanese beetles ranging across our territory along with grasshoppers, leaf hoppers, and armyworms. Some growers decided to take precautions here as well by applying insecticide. Our planes have been flying the sky, helping us apply these products. If you are seeing any of these issues in your fields, we encourage you to contact your Agronomy sales rep and have a discussion on what is right for your crop at this time given your circumstances.
As we continue into the month of August, we ask that you continue to keep a look out for disease outbreaks and insect feedings in your fields. Although the critical time for the corn plant has passed, we do not want to jeopardize yields. If any of these issues become significant, action may be required to help the chances of meeting your yield goal.
Now is our chance to sit back and watch as mother nature, and the grace of God takes us through the remaining months until harvest. Enjoy your county fairs, if they have not already past, and the rest of these summer months. Before long we will be hitting the fields once again to harvest the crop of 2016 and begin making decisions for the next growing season.