One of the challenges many farmers run into during harvest is determining the right time to get into the field. While grain moisture tests are the go-to tool for most, ear development and kernel texture tell an important part of the story. If you peel back the husk and find that the cob is still soft and rubbery, it’s a sign that your crop is not quite physiologically mature.| Integrated Crop Management
Due to extensive damage to corn fields last year from the derecho, volunteer corn is a looming threat for many fields this spring. Farmers intending to plant corn in these derecho-affected fields have limited options for managing volunteer corn, thus thoughtful planning is critical. I asked a collective of weed scientists their thoughts on best management practices for controlling volunteer corn prior to planting corn. I received responses from University colleagues in 8 states and Canada. Th...| Integrated Crop Management
As harvest wraps up, grain producers are reminded to actively monitor and manage stored grain. The following articles and resources are available: Practical Considerations when Reconditioning Overly Dry Soybeans Time to Cool and Core Storage Bins| Integrated Crop Management
The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is present in many fields throughout Iowa and surrounding states, and the nematode can reduce soybean yields significantly. Fields may not exhibit stunting and foliar chlorosis due to SCN feeding in seasons of adequate to excess moisture. Fall is the optimum time to sample fields for SCN.| Integrated Crop Management
This fall harvest U.S. soybean farmers face multiple challenges. Export projections have dimmed on account of reduced sales to China. Prices continue to decline. Warm weather has been shrinking the soybean crop in the field in terms of moisture content. If projections hold, soybeans will likely be in storage for much longer than typical. This could be the beginning of a new normal.| Integrated Crop Management
Join us for the 36th Integrated Crop Management Conference, which brings together a range of topics related to crop production, crop protection, nutrient management, and soil and water management. The event features experts sharing research updates and practical recommendations. Don’t miss this key opportunity for networking and education! When: December 10 and 11, 2025 Where: The Meadows Events Center in Altoona, Iowa Who: Anyone involved in crop production| Integrated Crop Management
While harvest is slowing down across the state, many have noticed new plant growth in the field: volunteer corn. While volunteer plants aren't unusual, it is rare to see so many fields with substantial unwanted plants this fall. Let’s examine why and what it might mean for 2026.| Integrated Crop Management
It’s been a mostly dry and warm harvest with bins filling quickly with corn and soybeans on farms and at country elevators. With night-time temperature forecast ranging in the mid-30s to high-40s in the next ten days, the time is right to cool corn and soybeans but not necessarily to the same temperatures and ideally without excessive shrink. This article reviews some tools and best practices for cooling and storing corn and soybeans through the winter and into early spring.| Integrated Crop Management
It may have felt like summer was hanging on through October, but this morning’s frost on rooftops and the need for a heavier jacket was a clear reminder, fall is here. And with fall comes frost, which can bring serious concerns for some forage species.| Integrated Crop Management
Most of Iowa has not received high precipitation amounts this spring, however, some regions have–most notably western Iowa (see maps). Wet springtime conditions typically raise the question about the status of applied nitrogen (N).| Integrated Crop Management
One method to judge nitrogen (N) loss is to calculate an estimate. Predicting the exact amount is quite difficult as many factors affect losses. However, estimates can provide guidance for supplemental N applications. While the rainfall this spring has been substantial, it arrived early. This should help moderate loss compared to the same situation occurring in late spring or early summer. In the early spring, soils are colder, so conversion to nitrate and denitrification is slowed. However, ...| Integrated Crop Management
High rainfall in some areas the past couple of weeks has produced another wet spring in Iowa. This leads to questions about nitrogen (N) loss and need for supplemental N application to corn. Unfortunately, this question has become almost the norm - I have written approximately 20 articles on the subject since 2007.| Integrated Crop Management
This spring's wet conditions are similar to those in 2011. That year's example could help producers this year avoid nitrate loss in fields that are saturated or have standing water.| Integrated Crop Management
This is part one of a three-part series on nitrogen management this spring. Read part two, “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Estimating Nitrogen Losses,” and part three, “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Does the corn need more nitrogen?”.| Integrated Crop Management
Winter seems to be never ending, and spring not arriving. This could lead to a compressed period for field work before corn planting begins. There are conversations underway about switching planned spring preplant anhydrous ammonia to another nitrogen (N) product like urea-ammonium nitrate solution (28 or 32% UAN) or granulated urea. And likely discussions about changing from preplant to sidedress applications. What should be considered? Perhaps the most important item is to have a conversati...| Integrated Crop Management
With low crop prices and increased fertilizer costs, farmers are wondering how best to allocate fertilizer dollars this fall. The following articles were posted in the fall of 2024, but all still apply to today’s situation and provide a list of best management practices (BMPs) in order of significance.| Integrated Crop Management
The most damaging pathogen of soybeans in the US and Canada is the soybean cyst nematode (SCN). The nematode is likely present in up to 75% of Iowa corn-soybean fields. A critical tactic for managing SCN is growing SCN-resistant soybean varieties.| Integrated Crop Management
For the fifth consecutive year, I joined my colleague Patrick Hatting, Farm Management Specialist for central Iowa, and checked several Polk County corn fields as a part of our “Polk County Yield Tour.” After R3 (milk stage) is a great time to venture into corn fields to make yield estimates as kernel abortion is less likely and plant stress will result in reduce kernel size or fill rather than kernel loss.| Integrated Crop Management
There are many reasons to consider adopting different tillage practices. Some reasons might include: less labor and fuel inputs for reduced or no tillage passes, combining fertilizer application and tillage in one pass, earlier field access in the spring, reducing water and wind erosion, improving soil health, or access to carbon credits.| Integrated Crop Management
July 17, 2025| Integrated Crop Management
Southern rust has continued to spread across Iowa and increase in severity since the disease was first reported in mid-July. This is not surprising considering the weather we have been having. July was warm and extremely wet across the state, and the precipitation has continued through this first 10 days of August.| Integrated Crop Management
Summer precipitation summary| Integrated Crop Management
This is part two of a three-part series on nitrogen management this spring. Read part one, “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Nitrogen Loss Mechanisms,” and part three, “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Does the corn need more nitrogen?”.| Integrated Crop Management
This is part three of a three-part series on nitrogen management this spring. Read part one “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Nitrogen Loss Mechanisms” and part two “Navigating Nitrogen Management in Wet Spring Conditions – Estimating Nitrogen Losses.”| Integrated Crop Management
