Cropping Issues in Northwest Minnesota

Plot tours are scheduled for August 28 - 29 at five locations.   

Just how dry is it? Northwestern Minnesota has been dry over the last month, with large areas accumulating between 1 and 3 inches less rain than the 30-year average (Figure 1). Figure 1. Departure from mean precipitation (in inches) for the period of July 8-Aug 9, 2018. Credit: Midwest regional climate center.

Reports of spider mites in soybean fields are trickling in from the NW MN and other areas. Personal observations have found mites on field margins in areas where recent showers have missed or dropped negligible precipitation. Some of these northern fields are advancing quickly through the R5 growth stage. Areas where rains have occurred are less likely to have mites building on field margins. Scouting and management A magnifying lens can be useful for seeing this small-sized pest. Risk of infestation is greatest under drought conditions. Since infestations are typically first noticed in field edges, initial scouting can focus on these areas; particularly edges near alfalfa, grassy ditches and other perennial vegetation. Scouting Beginning at the edge of the field, examine the undersides of leaves to determine if twospotted spider mites and/or webbing are present. If present, move farther into the field and examine two plants at each of twenty locations spread throughout the fi...

The joint MN-ND soybean survey map provides a regional perspective on where aphid activity is most significant. Scouting is important before making any treatment decisions. 

by Dave Nicolai, Extension Crops Educator The University of Minnesota Extension is offering a workshop and field tour on Tuesday, August 14th highlighting soybean management strategies for battling Iron Deficiency Chlorosis (IDC) and Soybean Cyst Nematode (SCN).  The tour will feature a UMN research site studying the interactions between IDC and SCN, along with trials evaluating commercial products from Bayer, Valent, Monsanto, and West Central Inc.  All farmers and agricultural professionals are welcome to join us for this workshop and plot tour. The Field Day will be held: Tuesday, August 14, 2018  9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.   Montevideo, MN  Doug Teichert Seed, located at 115 10th St. SE   The discussion-based workshop begins with morning refreshments and on-site registration at 9:00 a.m, with a free lunch, catered by Trish’s Catering, following the program.  Doug Teichert Seed is located 4 miles North of MN Hwy 7 or 7 miles South of...