When you’re focused on getting the crop out of the field, it’s easy to forget about the residue coming out the back of the combine. But how that residue is cut and spread at harvest has a big impact on your soil, planter performance, and next year’s yield. Why Residue Spread Matters| Integrated Crop Management
As corn approaches physiological maturity and, in some areas, even harvest maturity, farmers face the challenge of deciding when to begin harvest. The ISU Corn DryDown Calculator is a practical tool that helps forecast grain moisture over the next 5 and 10 days, making it easier to schedule harvest operations. Link to the Calculator: https://facts.extension.iastate.edu/corn-drydown-calculator| Integrated Crop Management
As the growing season starts to wind down, corn fields should be continued to be monitored and scouted for stalk integrity or standability concerns before harvest. Checking fields to help prioritize those with significant stalk rot for earlier harvest can reduce harvest losses, reduce the stress of slow harvest, and reduce future issues with volunteer corn.| Integrated Crop Management
Some years test both our crops and our patience. This season, with southern rust and other leaf diseases showing up across fields, harvest won’t| Integrated Crop Management
Corn grain moisture at physiological maturity (black layer) typically ranges from 30–35%, but it can vary from 25–40% depending on the hybrid and environmental conditions. We collected corn ears from a relative maturity study at the Boone Agronomy Farm, Iowa State University, to determine current kernel moisture levels. The study was planted on May 6, 2025, with several hybrids of varying relative maturities.| Integrated Crop Management
Join us for a unique regional training highlighting the science, management, and soil health benefits of integrating livestock into the farm. The workshop is led by ISU Extension in collaboration with the Soil Health Nexus. We welcome agriculture & conservation professionals as well as farmers, landowners and students to attend.| Integrated Crop Management
Mid-August is the beginning of the seeding window for successful cover crop seedings of common cover crop species in a corn and bean rotation. Farmers who are wanting to incorporate cover crops into their rotation should be finalizing their cover crop plans to ensure successful cover crop stands are established. Good fall growth of cover crops is key to achieving cover crop goals. To maximize fall growth of cover crops, seed early to maximize warm growing weather, and increase seed contact wi...| Integrated Crop Management
Fall is a great time to take soil samples for testing. Soil testing is the only way to determine soil nutrient levels and test results can help make critical management decisions for the next growing season. Soil testing starts with the soil sample. It is critical to take a collection of representative cores for each soil sample. The small sample of soil collected serves as the basis for the lab analysis and ultimately will be used to interpret the soil test results and make recommendations.| Integrated Crop Management
As we near the end of the growing season, corn across the state is mostly in the R5 stage with some already reaching R6. Corn silage harvest is underway. Soybeans are mainly late R5 to R7. Observations from fields or topics of concern continue to center around southern rust, tar spot, sudden death syndrome (SDS), and weed escapes.| Integrated Crop Management
Dr. Erin Hodgson started working in the Department of Entomology, now the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, at Iowa State University in 2009. She is a professor with extension and research responsibilities in corn and soybeans. She has a general background in integrated pest management (IPM) for field crops. Dr. Hodgson's current extension and research programs are focused on improving corn and soybean production by using IPM tactics to protect yield and increase ov...| 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 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
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
Late-season nitrogen rescue applications aren’t always necessary—but this year, many Iowa fields are showing signs that they might be. Between above-average precipitation, early N loss, and delayed sidedress applications, the conditions for in-season N deficiency are widespread. If you see visual signs of deficiency and your crop still has strong potential, a rescue application applied as soon as possible could help recover some yield potential. Ultimately, applying some N is often better...| Integrated Crop Management
Type of Content:| Integrated Crop Management
Corn rootworm egg hatch in Iowa typically occurs from late May to the middle of June, with an average peak hatching date of June 6 in central Iowa. Development is driven by soil temperature and measured by growing degree days (GDDs).| Integrated Crop Management
Continued above average rainfall from April through May has led to flooded fields and conditions that are too wet to plant or do field work in parts of Iowa. Early June planting decisions surrounding your delayed and prevented planting provision should involve a conversation with your crop insurance provider. The Ag Decision Maker File A1-57 talks about the insurance provision implications related to late planting, prevent planting, and replanting decisions in Iowa.| crops.extension.iastate.edu
Flooding or flood damage in parts of Iowa, corn starting to tassel, corn rootworm, potato leafhoppers, waterhemp suriving post herbicide applications, and herbicide injury due to carryover or drift were "highlights" Iowa State University Extension and Outreach field agronomists saw over the last week. Read on for more specifics about what’s happening in fields across the state.| crops.extension.iastate.edu