North Iowa FIRST

2012-01-04T11:14:00.000-06:00

The 2011 harvest season has come and gone! With the challenging late-season weather we had, there is a lot of interesting and meaningful data to review before making your seed choices for 2012. Looking to F.I.R.S.T. harvest results is an excellent tool to assist you in making your seed buying decisions for 2012. Please visit the HARVEST RESULTS pages for Corn or Soybeans to view the data directly.

For a comprehensive list of products that were tested across all F.I.R.S.T. testing regions in the midwest for the 2011 season, click the links below for each crop.

2011 Corn Hybrids in F.I.R.S.T. Tests

If you are interested in corn hybrids being tested in northern Iowa for your region, look for hybrids being tested in IANW, IANC and IANO.

2011 Soybean Varieties in F.I.R.S.T. Tests

If you are interested in soybean varieties being tested in northern Iowa for your region, look for varieties being tested in IANO and IANC.

If you don't see a corn hybrid or soybean variety you are interested in, please talk to your seed company representative and ask them to enter your products of choice into F.I.R.S.T. testing for next year. Your opinion matters!

Video - AgDay Interviews

2012-01-04T10:53:00.000-06:00

Catch up with F.I.R.S.T. General Manager, Joe Bruce, as he highlights the 2011 F.I.R.S.T. harvest season during the latest interviews on the December 9 and December 16 airings of AgDay.

View the F.I.R.S.T. Soybean Review on AgDay.

View the F.I.R.S.T. Corn Review on AgDay.

North Iowa FIRST Corn Harvest is Complete

2011-11-01T12:46:00.000-05:00

I wrapped up plot harvest this season on October 20. Overall, yields were down a bit from the 5 year average.

Here's a snapshot of where we ended up versus the 5 yrs average for FIRST region results:

IANO IANCa IANCb IANWa IANWb

2011 175.9 183.6 194.3 181.8 191.5

2010 181.0 191.7 190.6 181.3 183.6

2009 197.0 201.8 206.2 200.5 196.0

2008 193.6 185.8 184.1 217.3 225.2

2007 188.6 195.3 188.0 192.0

5 yr AVE 186.9 190.3 194.1 193.8 197.7
2011 Season -5.87% -3.52% +0.10% -6.18% -3.12%

Here's a brief recap of the season and explanation for suppressed yields this season.

Weather Stress
Erratic spring rainfall delayed planting by a week or two in northern Iowa. While some farmers pushed the envelope and planted mid-April (or earlier) most waited to plant until soil temperatures were above 50 degrees F and trending warmer. As a result we missed the ideal weeks for planting and had a late start.

Following the cool and wet spring was the 2nd warmest summer on record. For the months of May, June and mid-July weather was warm and rain was adequate. We were shaping up for a bumper crop when the rain stopped and fields turned dry from mid-July through maturity. This shortage of rain, acceleration of GDU's, and high night time temperatures occurred near the beginning of reproductive stages for most fields. Depending on the relative maturity of the hybrid and which growth stage it was in during these stressful conditions, hybrids were adversely affected in some manner. Either we had good pollination but shallow kernels and low test weights, or we had poor pollination with tip dieback but deep kernels. Sporadic rainfall in August was a key difference in the ability to fill kernels during this critical yield determining stage. In some cases, fields had poor pollination AND poor kernel weights...double whammy! Rarely, the opposite was true in areas where they caught a little rain here and there exactly when they needed it and yields were very good.

In addition, a September 2 storm that contained 100+ mph sustained winds for over 3 minutes wiped out the Saratoga, IA testing site. Not many stalks were able to withstand that kind of wind. Although I did make an effort to harvest this site, it was not possible without a corn reel. Contamination of lodged plants from strip-to-strip was also impossible to eliminate.

Mid-season wind also caused green snap among susceptible hybrids at the Remsen, IA testing site. Fortunately, the wind event was pretty consistent across the site and the occurance of green snap or lack of it was also consistent from hybrid to hybrid. Test results from this location revealed hybrids that had good tolerance to green snap.

Diseases
This was definitely a year for Gray leaf spot. Outbreaks of this disease were very common and the occurrence was almost a guarantee in corn-on-corn fields. High relative humidity (above 90%) during silking and early kernel-fill stages lead to increased disease. The lesions caused by Gray leaf spot really took a toll on leaves and interrupted the translocation of nutrient uptake to the ear.

Eyespot was another foliar disease that was fairly common and interrupts the flow of nutrients in the same way as GLS. This disease is more prevalent in fields where previously infected corn residue is present.

Goss's Wilt hammered the Rinard, IA continuous corn testing site this season. This bacterial disease survives on infected corn residue from year-to-year. It typically starts in the middle to upper canopy, usually a few days after a strong thunderstorm that causes hail or wind damage to leaves.

Stalk Lodging & Down Corn
The extremely dry weather this fall stretching back into September allowed for a quick harvest for most of us in this part of the state. However, it also meant we had to deal with a lot of acres of down corn where stalk strength was deteriorating very quickly due to the limited water uptake/availability. Restricted water (due to plant stress from diseases or outright lack of water) led to limited nutrient uptake to the plant forcing the removal of nutrients from the stalk and cannibalization. Because of this fields that had high yield potential (greater kernel sink) had a high potential for lodging. This was why you probably saw the differences in genetics and fields where some were flat and some were standing tall.

I saw a lot of farmers investing in corn reels this season to pick up a pretty good crop up off of the ground where plants just wouldn't feed into the combine otherwise. Reports from farmers that I spoke with indicated that yields were surprisingly better than anticipated from acres where corn was severely lodged.

Summary
Overall, this season tended to favor the later maturing hybrids...no surprise there with the GDU's we accumulated. However, some earlier maturities did perform well where they may have advanced through pollination before the extreme heat had a chance to do more damage.

Obviously, we had a lot of variability between locations this year due to late season rains that were hit or miss. Fortunately, there was a lot "in the tank" for most fields up to mid-July that allowed for good size ears to be formed. Those later showers, even if they only provided a few tenths proved to be crucial to getting an average crop this season...I think we should be thankful for that!

Here's a summary of the average lodging across all testing sites. The 3 sites with the 3 highest average lodging scores were all corn-on-corn rotations: Mason City, Oelwein & Rinard. The 3 sites with the lowest average lodging scores were the first sites I harvested at higher moistures before soybean harvest began and before stalk integrity really went downhill: Remsen, Iowa Falls & Lu Verne.

North Iowa FIRST Soybean Harvest is Complete

2011-10-08T14:09:00.000-05:00

A good stretch of warm, dry and WINDY weather this past week has caused soybean moistures to drop FAST. I started harvesting FIRST soybean plots on Monday in the 10 to 12 point range and finished late last night in the 7 to 9 range.

Yields for soybeans in north Iowa were pretty good. Click here for soybean HARVEST RESULTS.

A couple locations such as Emmetsburg in IANO and Galva in IANC hit the rains just right and top yielding varieties were in the mid-70's bu/A. Hopefully you realized some of these top-end yields on your farm! Other locations were limited by the usual suspects typical of weather stress during flowering and diseases (white mold in New Hampton & Iowa Falls). A September 15 freeze was also widespread across all testing sites in north Iowa, with the exception of New Hampton. This freeze tended to interrupt seed filling of the later maturing varieties while the earlier varieties had completed seed fill and were relatively unaffected. This was reflected in the tests this year where the yields were more favorable for the earlier than later maturing varieties.

Saratoga Wind Damage

2011-10-01T12:33:00.000-05:00

I recently received an update from Mark Christianson who hosts the F.I.R.S.T. plot near Saratoga concerning major wind damage in corn fields in the area. As reported by Mark, a thunderstorm with sustained +100 mph winds swept through the fields in the Saratoga area on September 2. Unfortunately, most of the corn here was flattened, including the F.I.R.S.T. testing site. While Mark has harvested corn off of the ground from the surrounding field, it is too soon to tell exactly how this wind event will impact final yields since most ears were mature. Now it's just a matter of how well corn will feed into the combine and minimizing harvest loss. This F.I.R.S.T. plot has not been harvested or evaluated yet for harvest potential. More information will be available once the situation has been assessed in further detail.

Harvest has started!

2011-09-28T13:09:00.000-05:00

Harvest season has started here in northern Iowa. As has been typical practice among most farmers in the north half of the state, guys are starting soybean harvest and will attempt to complete all of their bean acres before starting in on corn. Of course, there are a few exceptions in some acres where early corn hybrids have been taken out or where the fields are very susceptible to further lodging from wind. The weather in the last half of the growing season has been favorable toward stalk rots and ear molds, so some farmers are taking advantage of the good weather and harvesting corn while it is still standing and grain quality is good.

Many testing sites should be harvested in the next 2 weeks, so check back often to view the harvest results for soybean and corn tests in North Iowa. You can view the harvest results be clicking on the "HARVEST RESULTS - Corn" or "HARVEST RESULTS - Soybean" on the right side of the blog under "Pages."

Have a safe and productive harvest!

Shell Rock Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:53:00.000-05:00

Shell Rock is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Iowa Falls Soybean Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:52:00.000-05:00

Iowa Falls is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Havelock Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:50:00.000-05:00

Havelock is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

New Hampton Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:49:00.000-05:00

New Hampton is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Osage Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Osage is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Algona Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Algona is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station are reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Emmetsburg Soybean Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T12:40:00.000-05:00

Emmetsburg is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station is reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Galva Seasonal Weather

2011-09-28T11:14:00.000-05:00

Galva is now close to harvest as we wait for the later maturing varieties to continue drying down. Here's a look at how weather played a role in yield performance at this testing site. Precipitation and temperatures from the nearest station is reported.

It should be noted that temperatures were at or below freezing on the morning of September 15 (week 17). This freeze may have taken its toll more on the later maturing varieties within the tests since they were likely still in seed filling stage, whereas, earlier varieties may already have successfully completed seed filling and were entering maturity.

Critical time periods that have affected final yield are:

Flowering (R1 through R4): Weeks 8 through Week 14
Pod Development (R2 through R5): Weeks 10 through Week 16
Seed Filling (R4 through R6): Week 14 through Week 17
R4 to R5.5 are particularly sensitive to moisture stress: Week 14 through Week 16

Lu Verne Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T16:24:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Lu Verne, IA has received a total of 21.24" of rain. This is -1.37" of the normal 22.61" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

Here are a few key time periods for this field where final yield factors were determined and the week (since planting) that they occurred for this site. Please note the week and corresponding graph of precipitation for those weeks, taking into consideration the amount of rain prior to them as well. For this season the hot and dry weather from V18 - R6 was worth noting and is responsible for tipback of ears, shallow kernels, and lower kernel weights for a number of hybrids. This, of course, was dependent on the maturity of the hybrid and the weather conditions at the time as each hybrid entered and completed these growth stages (since they did not occur simultaneously for all of the different hybrids and maturities that are represented at this site). A graph of accumulated GDU's for the nearest reporting station is also included:

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

Rembrandt Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T16:16:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Rembrandt, IA has received a total of 21.15" of rain. This is +1.58" of the normal 19.57" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 18

Emmetsburg Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T16:07:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Emmetsburg, IA has received a total of 22.83" of rain. This is +1.25" of the normal 21.58" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 18

Paullina Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T15:56:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Paullina, IA has received a total of 19.27" of rain. This is +1.26" of the normal 18.01" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 6
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 9
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 11
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 18

Remsen Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T15:46:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Remsen, IA has received a total of 20.71" of rain. This is +1.98" of the normal 18.73" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 6
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

Oelwein Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T15:35:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Oelwein, IA has received a total of 22.67" of rain. This is +4.23" of the normal 18.44" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 7
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 9
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 10
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

Waterloo Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T15:23:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Waterloo, IA has received a total of 18.7" of rain. This is +0.92" of the normal 17.78" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 10
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

Saratoga Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T15:06:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Saratoga, IA has received a total of 21.33" of rain. This is -1.4" of the normal 22.73" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R5 (dent) and is nearly black layered.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Has not occurred yet...will be Week 18

Greene Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T14:52:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Greene, IA has received a total of 24.48" of rain. This is +5.18" of the normal 19.3" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

Iowa Falls Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T13:48:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Iowa Falls, IA has received a total of 19.43" of rain. This is -2.83" of the normal 22.26" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 18

Mason City Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T13:33:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Mason City, IA has received a total of 19.71" of rain. This is +1.86" of the normal 17.85" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R5 (dent) and is approaching black layer.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Has not occurred

Rinard Seasonal Weather

2011-09-07T13:08:00.000-05:00

According to weather data collected on Sept 5, Rinard, IA has received a total of 19.53" of rain. This is -0.93" of the normal 20.46" of rain expected to date based on the 30 yr average for this area. The crop has reached R6 (black layer) and is drying down.

The number of kernel rows/ear begins (V6): Week 5
The number of kernel rows/ear is set (V12): Week 8
Potential kernels/row is being determined (V18): Week 10
Actual kernel number and potential kernel size being determined (R1 - Pollination): Week 11
Actual kernel weight determined (R6): Week 17

North Iowa Crop Tour

2011-08-25T17:19:00.000-05:00

I recently did a crop tour across all corn & soybean testing sites in the F.I.R.S.T. testing regions of northern Iowa. Click the "Testing Site" of interest on the right side of this page to view the latest comments and observations from August 23 & 24.

In general, the most common disease observed throughout nearly all corn testing sites has been Gray leaf spot.

Corn has progressed fast during the last few weeks of hot and dry weather, and I am a bit suprised to see more shorter ears and shallow kernels than I expected. Tip dieback due to excessive heat during pollination is common again this year, though it varies in severity from location to location. Hot conditions during pollination, even at sites where moisture was adaquate, have caused some variable pollination in fields. Dry weather during grain fill has also reduced kernel depth as we advance toward harvest. Fortunately, testing sites were planted nearly 2 1/4" deep and nodal root systems have been given the best chance to mine available water and nutrients. In spite of weather conditions, this season will definately test corn genetics for Gray leaf spot tolerance across the board and local differences to Goss's Wilt in Rinard, IA.

Soybeans have also been growing rapidly but have not shown the effects of the hot weather to the degree that corn has. I have seen the array of some very offensive test sites in Galva to sites that will require a full defensive trait package as varieties deal with aphids, brown spot, bacterial blight, white mold and frogeye leaf spot. Beans are currently in R6, filling pods and determining seed size. Any rains from this point until maturity will definately impact final yields.

Paullina, IA Corn

2011-08-25T16:56:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Paullina corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 (early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed very quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. Unfortunately, this rapid development is occurring during grain fill. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Diseases to be noted here are Gray leaf spot and Eyespot. Gray leaf spot pressure is light-to-moderate across hybrids but will likely be a yield limiting factor for harvest as it continues to develop and kill photosynthesizing leaves as they attempt to fill grain on the ears at this time. There is still evidence of weather stress from the hot and dry periods during ear formation and pollination that has resulted in some tip dieback from 0" to 1" across the testing strips, depending on the timing of pollination for affected hybrids. Unfortunately, there are relatively small ears at this site, and shallow kernel depth.

Remsen, IA Corn

2011-08-25T16:46:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Remsen corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 (early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed very quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. Unfortunately, this rapid development is occuring during grain fill. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

While there is some Gray leaf spot in this testing site, the degree of infection at this state is not yet taking over entire leaves. There is still evidence of weather stress from the hot and dry periods during ear formation and pollination that has resulted in some tip dieback from 1/4" to 1" across the testing strips, depending on the timing of pollination for affected hybrids. In general, Green snap is more widespread at this testing site than I had originally thought. In some cases nearly 2% - 3% of stalks have been snapped within the testing site.

Galva, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T16:34:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R6 and looking VERY good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 24, the site had received some rain. These beans are very tall and very healthy right now. This site should provide a good offensive test for the varieties here, since there hasn't yet been much pest pressure from diseases, insects, or weather to limit top-end yields. The only disease observed here was the start of a very light occurance of Downy Mildew. There is good pod load all the way up to the top of the canopy.

While the recent rain did help a lot at this site, it could still use another soaker to help fill those pods. More information will be provided later to give and update on the season's weather pattern for this site.

Rembrandt, IA Corn

2011-08-25T16:28:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Rembrandt corn testing site. Corn here was at R4/R5 (dough to early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed very quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. Unfortunately, this rapid development is occuring during grain fill. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

While there is some Gray leaf spot in this testing site, this is the healthiest field I've seen across northern Iowa for the lack of diseases present. There is still evidence of weather stress from the hot and dry periods during ear formation and pollination that has resulted in some tip dieback from 0" to 1" across the testing strips, depending on the timing of pollination for affected hybrids. In general, there are more small ears at this site, but better kernel depth than fields south of Storm Lake.

Havelock, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T16:19:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R6 and trying to recover from early season water stress. During my most recent visit to this field on August 24, the site had received some rain. While varieties across the site appear to be relatively disease-free, stress on this site throughout the year (especially during pollination period) has resulted in fewer pods and many 2 or 3 seeded pods instead of the typical 3 or 4 seeded pods in a normal field. Root health also appears to be affected by early season water stress as plants now attempt to deal with dry weather as they fill the pods with limited root systems.

While the recent rain did help a lot at this site, it could still use another soaker to help fill those pods. More information will be provided later to give and update on the season's weather pattern for this site.

Rinard, IA Corn

2011-08-25T16:10:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Rinard corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 (dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed very quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. Unfortunately, this rapid development is occuring during grain fill. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

This continuous corn testing site is revealing weaknesses of hybrids to Goss's Wilt, Northern leaf blight and Gray leaf spot all of which will be major yield limiting factors, as far as disease tolerance goes. However, the biggest killer here is definately Goss's Wilt. The pictures below represent dramatic differences between susceptible and tolerance hybrids. The entire field is expressing itself in this way and it is easy to tell the differences between genetic tolerances to this disease. Ears on susceptible plants are starting to hang already and may cause loss if there is any excessive wind between now and harevest. It is expected that symptoms of these diseases will continue to worsen as harvest nears.

Above: Hybrid susceptible to Goss's Wilt - short ears/shallow kernels

Above: Hybrid tolerant to Goss's Wilt - still filling kernels

Iowa Falls, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T15:58:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R5/R6. During my most recent visit to this field on August 24, I noticed a few scattered plants with White Mold. It's too soon to predict how broad this disease will affect the testing site, but there are a few weeks left that could take out a lot of susceptible plants. At this point, the degree of infection has been limited to a few scattered plants spread randomly throughout the site, but I believe there is a separation among varieties already.

Also observed was a small degee of Frogeye leaf spot however, it is not yet at a level that will dramatically affect final yields or cause separation among varieties.

Iowa Falls, IA Corn

2011-08-25T15:48:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Iowa Falls corn testing site. Corn here was at R4/R5 (dough to early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

This corn-on-corn testing site is revealing weaknesses of some hybrids to Gray leaf spot and Northern leaf blight (picture below) both of which will be major yield limiting factors, as far as disease tolerance goes. It is expected that symptoms of these diseases will continue to worsen as harvest nears.

Also observed was a high population of Western Corn Rootworm beetles that did some silk feeding. There was between 1/2" to 1 1/2" of tip dieback noticed throughout the testing site.

Waterloo, IA Corn

2011-08-25T15:40:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Waterloo corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 (early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Gray leaf spot pressure at this site is relatively high and will likely cause yield separation among the corn genetics represented here that have varying degrees of tolerance to GLS. Also observed was moderate Eyespot. There was really no insect pressure here to note. However, there was tip dieback from 1/2" to 1 1/2" due to excessive heat during pollination. In general, hot conditions during pollination have caused some variable pollination across hybrids. Continued dry weather during grain fill will inevitably reduce kernel depth and test weights.

Oelwein, IA Corn

2011-08-25T15:30:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Oelwein corn testing site. Corn here was at R4/R5 (dough/early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Gray leaf spot pressure is high at this testing site and will likely cause yield separation among the corn genetics represented here that have varying degrees of tolerance to GLS. Also observed was moderate Eyespot and some silk feeding from both Northern and Western Corn Rootworm beetles. As you can see from the pictures, it appears that this silk feeding may have reduced pollination in a number of hybrids across the test site. The picture below is an extreme case and not representative of the entire site.

Shell Rock, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T15:19:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R6 and looking pretty good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 23, I noticed a few scattered plants with Brown Stem Rot. It's too soon to predict how broad this disease will affect the testing site, but there is a few weeks left that it could take out a lot of susceptible plants.

There was no wind damage seen here and no lodging. However there was a high population of Japanese Beetles that are defoliating the top trifoliates in the canopy. Interestingly, it appears that they prefer the taller varieties over the shorter ones in general.

While the recent rain did help a lot at this site, it could still use another soaker to help fill those pods. More information will be provided later to give and update on the season's weather pattern for this site.

Greene, IA Corn

2011-08-25T15:10:00.000-05:00

On August 24, I visited the Greene corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 (early dent). As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Gray leaf spot pressure here is high as with the other corn sites and is evident to the very top leaves of the canopy. This will likely be a yield limiting factor and cause some separation in yield among various hybrids with tolerance or susceptibility. Other pests noted in this field are Corn leaf aphids and Northern Corn Rootworm beetles.

New Hampton, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T14:54:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R5/R6 and looking pretty good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 23, the site had received some needed rain. The real story here will be how bad White Mold will affect final yields. There is a lot of growth here. Combined with the recent moisture and narrow rows, the plant types of some varieties could play a role in how they handle the onset of this disease, which is sure to continue taking out plants from now until harvest.

Saratoga, IA Corn

2011-08-25T14:46:00.000-05:00

On August 23, I visited the Saratoga corn testing site. Corn here was at R4 (dough) but some (not most) kernels were starting to dent. As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Most noticeable here was the high population of Corn leaf aphids that left me with a sticky mess after walking out of the field. These aphids are most problematic during periods of moisture stress and can remove moisture and nutrients from the upper leaves and tassels, while possibly transitting viruses. Also observed were Corn flea beetles that likely was the cause of some Stewart's leaf blight among testing strips. Not to be left out, Gray leaf spot was also very prevelent across the testing site and noticeable differences were apparent.

Osage, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T14:37:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R5/R6 and looking pretty good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 23, the site had received some rain and a good dose of wind. However, there was not the leaf damage that I saw in Algona. There was definately some lodging among varieties in the test from the heavy wind, while others were standing tall. However, there is a lot of time yet for these beans to recover from the lodging and stand back up for the most part. This should be another good site for lodging notes at harvest to see which varieties can take the wind and recover in time for harvest. Plants here that did not lodge were tall and healthy. No diseases and no aphids or other insect pests were observed during this visit.

Mason City, IA Corn

2011-08-25T14:19:00.000-05:00

On August 23, I visited the Mason City corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 in early dent stage. As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Similar to Lu Verne, IA, this site is experiencing an outbreak of Gray leaf spot which is taking an early toll on the leaves that are trying to fill grain on the ears. I would expect this disease to be a key yield limiting factor among hybrids that have susceptibility/tolerance to GLS at this site. Also noted was a high population of Western Corn Rootworm beetles. Their presence may have reduced pollination from silk feeding. Adults also feed on leaves. Corn flea beetles were also observed and subsequently some Stewart's disease.

Western Corn Rootworm beetle at this site.

Here's a shot at the Gray leaf spot in this field. This is a representative picture. Some hybrids are more severe. Some hybrids are less affected.

Lu Verne, IA Corn

2011-08-25T14:06:00.000-05:00

On August 23, I visited the Lu Verne corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 in early dent stage. As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

This site is experiencing an outbreak of Gray leaf spot which is taking an early toll on the leaves that are trying to fill grain on the ears. I would expect this disease to be a key yield limiting factor among hybrids that have susceptibility/tolerance to GLS at this site. The picture below is pretty representative of a susceptible hybrid in this area. Also noted was Eyespot and some Stewart's leaf blight among susceptible hybrids.

Algona, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T13:58:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R5/R6 and looking pretty good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 23, the site had received some rain and a good dose of wind. There was plenty of evidence of the wind from tattered leaves in the top of the canopy. Neighboring corn fields within a mile of this site were nearly flattened from the straight line winds experienced in the area. There was definately some lodging among varieties in the test from the heavy wind, while others were standing tall. However, there is a lot of time yet for these beans to recover from the lodging and stand back up for the most part. This should be another good site for lodging notes at harvest to see which varieties can take the wind and recover in time for harvest. No diseases and no aphids or other insect pests were observed during this visit.

While the recent rain did help a lot at this site, it could still use another soaker to help fill those pods. More information will be provided later to give and update on the season's weather pattern for this site.

Emmetsburg, IA Soybean

2011-08-25T13:53:00.000-05:00

Soybeans at this site are now at R6 and looking pretty good. During my most recent visit to this field on August 23, the site had received some rain and a good dose of wind. There was definately some lodging among varieties in the test from the heavy wind, while others were standing tall. However, there is a lot of time yet for these beans to recover from the lodging and stand back up for the most part. This should be a good site for lodging notes at harvest to see which varieties can take the wind and recover in time for harvest. No aphids or other insect pests were observed during this visit.

While the recent rain did help a lot at this site, it could still use another soaker to help fill those pods. More information will be provided later to give and update on the season's weather pattern for this site.

Emmetsburg, IA Corn

2011-08-25T08:27:00.000-05:00

On August 23, I visited the Emmetsburg corn testing site. Corn here was at R5 in early dent stage. As with many other fields across northern Iowa, corn here has progressed quickly over the past few weeks with the hot dry weather. More information concerning precise weather patterns for this site will be updated soon.

Diseases to be noted here are Gray leaf spot and Eyespot. Gray leaf spot pressure is light-to-moderate across hybrids but will likely be a yield limiting factor for harvest as it continues to develop and kill photosynthesizing leaves as they attempt to fill grain on the ears at this time.

On the bright site, weather appeared to be favorable during pollination and saw many ears filled nearly to the tip with kernels.

Chinese Import of Corn Hybrids with the Agrisure Viptera™ trait

2011-08-19T15:38:00.000-05:00

There has been some news recently concerning the acceptance of corn hybrids with the Agrisure Viptera™ trait by area elevators, ethanol plants, and other grain outlets. Last week, August 12, DTN/The Progressive Farmer released this article about the situation.

Viptera Lacks China Approval: Bunge and CGB Won't Accept Syngenta's Viptera Corn

While this is reletively new news for most of us approaching harvest, Syngenta has addressed the situation by outlining the details and communicating a public Q & A as outlined on a website they have established. For the most recent details, visit AgrisureViptera.com/exportinfo. Growers can call 800-319-1360 between 6am and 11pm CST Monday through Saturday with questions, or email Syngenta at Export.Info@syngenta.com. Syngenta is working with the grain trade to discuss market options for grain with the Agrisure Viptera trait and will continue to develop customer communications.

For a list of corn hybrids with the Agrisure Viptera™ trait being tested in F.I.R.S.T. regions this season, click the "Products Tested" link on the right side of this page.

Osage, IA Soybeans - Aphid Treatment

2011-08-11T16:12:00.000-05:00

On August 10, our farmer cooperator in Osage, IA sprayed for soybean aphids in the testing area and surrounding field.

He pointed out that while the plot was not at threshold the population was growing. With the ideal conditions forecasted for populations to really take off, and the lack of moisture, the decision was made to spray the little suckers at this site. Warrior (ai: lambda-cyhalothrin) was applied with an airplane the day of August 10.

New Hampton, IA Soybean

2011-08-05T16:35:00.000-05:00

New Hampton was planted on May 16 this spring. This is later than the ideal planting date for soybeans; however, conditions in late April were not conducive for corn planting in north Iowa, and as corn planting was delayed, so was soybean planting into mid-May.

The tillage system here was no-till into corn stalks that had been rolled prior to planting. This created a nice and smooth planting bed. However, as with many no-till systems, seed placement was not as consistent and after a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 136,500. This is still a very good plant stand that will not limit yield potential.

Envive (ai: chlorimuron ethyl, flumioxazin & thifensulfuron methyl), 2,4-D and glyphosate (generic) were all used as part of the complete herbicide program for this field. Thus far, no insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made.

On July 2, the cooperator reported that this field received hail damage. While surrounding corn fields were damaged to the point of being able to collect crop insurance, there apparently was not enough damage to warrant coverage on the soybean crop in this area.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 2.63" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field had some great growth across the testing site. No diseases and no aphids were observed during this visit. Plant height was medium to tall versus other testing sites in north Iowa.

Shell Rock, IA Soybean

2011-08-05T16:23:00.000-05:00

Shell Rock was planted on May 16 this spring. I would like to have planted this field nearly two weeks earlier; however, corn planting was delayed due to the cooler and wetter spring weather across northern Iowa and therefore, soybeans were also bumped back to mid-May.

The tillage system here was conventional with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were average as warmer and drier weather returned to the area. Seed placement was excellent. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 155,800.

Two passes of glyphosate (generic) were used for weed control in this field. Asana (ai: esfenvalerate) was used for an insecticide and Evito 480 (ai: fluoxastrobin) was added for fungicide at this testing site.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 0.41" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field was very clean of both weeds and diseases. There were Japanese beetles present, but defoliation was minimal (<2%). No aphids were observed. Plant height was medium-to-shorter than other sites across northern Iowa, but not deficient on nutrients as all testing strips were nice and green throughout the site.

Iowa Falls, IA Soybean

2011-08-05T11:28:00.000-05:00

Iowa Falls was planted on May 18 this spring. This is nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting date, but due to a late start with corn planting from cool and wetter than normal conditions in late April, soybean planting in the area was also bumped back. Other farmers in the area were also in the middle of soybean planting here as well.

The tillage system here was conventional with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were good and seed placement was very good. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 154,900.

Sonic (ai: sulfentrazone & cloransulam-methyl), Durango (ai: glyphosate), Flexstar (ai: fomesafen), and Volunteer (ai: clethodim) were all used as part of the complete herbicide program for this field. Thus far, no insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 0.5" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field had some tall and very healthy plants. There was some Brown spot and Bacterial blight in the lower canopy as well as very little presence of Frogeye leaf spot. Overall, there is a lot of good growth at this site. No aphids were observed during this visit.

Osage, IA Soybean

2011-08-01T14:20:00.000-05:00

Osage was planted on May 17 this spring. This is nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting date, but due to a late start with corn planting from cool and wetter than normal conditions in late April, soybean planting in the area was also bumped back. The testing site was planted about a week later than the host cooperator's surrounding field; however, other farmers in the area were also in the middle of soybean planting.

This tillage system here was conventional with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were average as the ground continued to warm and dry off. I was very pleased with seed placement here. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 148,300.

Generic glyphosate was used as the herbicide of choice for this field so far. No insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made to date.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 0.04" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field has some nice tall beans. There are some moderate levels of Brown spot and a few bean leaf beetles, but defoliation is not severe. No aphids were observed.

Algona, IA Soybean

2011-08-01T14:08:00.000-05:00

Algona was planted on May 17 this spring - nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting date. Due to a late start with corn planting from cool and wetter than normal conditions in north Iowa in late April, soybean planting in the area was also bumped back.

The tillage system here was conventional with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were good and seed placement was excellent here. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 142,000.

Roundup Weathermax (ai: glyphosate) was used as the weed control product in this field. Thus far, no insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 0.82" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field had aphids approaching 250 per plant in many areas throughout the testing site. Bacterial blight was also starting in the lower canopy. Overall plant height here was medium relative to other soybean sites I have observed, but plant health was very good.

Emmetsburg, IA Soybean

2011-08-01T12:07:00.000-05:00

Emmetsburg was planted on May 17 this spring. This is nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting date, but due to a late start with corn planting from cool and wetter than normal conditions in late April, soybean planting in the area was also bumped back. The farm manager at Iowa Lakes Comm College was also in the middle of soybean planting here as well.

The tillage system here was minimum with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were average and after adjustments to the planter were made in buffer strips, seed placement was good here. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 142,000.

Glyphosate (generic), Arrow 2 EC (ai: clethodim) and Endigo ZC (ai: lambda-cyhalothrin & thiamethoxam) were all used as part of the complete herbicide program for this field. Stratego YLD (ai: prothioconazole & trifloxystrobin) was also applied as a fungicide on this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 1.17" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field was medium in height compared to other areas of north Iowa. Only a little Bacterial blight was starting in the lower canopy and there were no aphids to be found. No other foliar diseases were observed to date.

Havelock, IA Soybean

2011-08-01T11:55:00.000-05:00

Havelock was planted on May 18 this spring. This was also nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting date, but due to a late start with corn planting that got pushed into the beginning of May, soybean planting was also bumped back. Other farmers in the area were also in the middle of soybean planting here as well.

The tillage system here was conventional with fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were average, but planter adjustments were made and seed placement was good. After a return visit at V3/V4, the field had just received nearly 3" of rain the day before and there was still some ponding in the testing site. Regardless of the water, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was still about 134,700.

Durango (ai: glyphosate) was used as the herbicide program for this field. Thus far, no insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in full bloom (R2) and a little over 9" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area since planting according to the nearest reporting weather station. As a result of all the wet weather, the testing strips across the plot area are noticeably stunted and Bacterial blight is starting to work on the plants in the lower canopy. This will likely progress up through the plant as we continue to maturity. Aphids (winged & non-winged) were also observed in the testing strips here. This site will likely challenge the varieties' ability to tolerate the wet conditions and subsequent diseases that will show up from this point to maturity.

Galva, IA Soybean

2011-08-01T10:59:00.000-05:00

Galva was planted on May 18 this spring. This is nearly a couple weeks behind the ideal planting data, but due to a late start with corn planting from cool and wetter than normal conditions in late April, soybean planting in the area was also bumped back. Other farmers in the area were also in the middle of soybean planting here as well. Although a tornado traveled directly through this site earlier in the spring and scattered building and tree debris across the field before doing damage to the Quad County Corn Processors ethanol plant just across highway 20, the host cooperator made a valiant effort to clean up this field prior to planting and it was in great shape by the 18th.

The tillage system here was conventional without fall tillage. Soil conditions at planting were good and seed placement was good here. After a return visit at V3/V4, the average plant stand from all testing strips across the site was about 140,000.

Prowl (ai: pendimethalin), Valor (ai: flumioxazin), Assure II (ai: quizalofop P-ethyl) and Roundup (ai: glyphosate) were all used as part of the complete herbicide program for this field. Thus far, no insecticide or fungicide treatment has been made.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in full bloom (R2) and 1.5" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area since planting. This field had some tall soybean plants from a lot of growth and a healthy canopy from top to bottom. No aphids were found here yet.

Oelwein, IA Corn

2011-07-29T18:41:00.000-05:00

Oelwein was planted on May 10 this spring - same day as the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the immediate area were doing corn and some had started on beans where soil conditions allowed. Soil temps had floated around 50 F and was trending warmer; however, similar to other sites, planting was delayed here due to cooler and wetter than normal spring weather until the wet weather pattern broke. Soil conditions at this site were good and seed placement was excellent across the site on this continuous corn field. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANC, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. Crop emergence at this site was nice and uniform and early stand counts at V6 were very good for a corn-corn field. On average across the site for all strips, I came up with a stand of nearly 34,400 for the early test and 34,300 for the late test.

Since the previous crop was also corn in 2010 on this field, the cooperator supplemented this field with 111 units of N applied in the fall, 21 units of N in the spring, and 77 units of N sidedressed late spring. The field also received 78 units of P and 210 units of K.

Harness Xtra (ai: acetochlor & atrazine), Callisto (ai: mesotrione) and Atrazine was used as the herbicide program on this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister stage (R2), 152 GDUs ahead and 3.33" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Corn here looked great. There was a small degree of root lodging from some wind in the area, but the small amount that I observed was already goosenecked back up. Not alot to note for diseases here, just a small amount of Eyespot in some susceptible hybrids.

Waterloo, IA Corn

2011-07-29T18:10:00.000-05:00

Waterloo was planted on May 7 this spring - the same day the host cooperator was planting some fields around the plot area. Soil conditions in this ridge-till/no-till field were ideal and I was very pleased with seed placement in the ridges here. (it is really nice to have straight ridges from the cooperator's RTK GPS to plant into!) Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANC, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. An early season evaluation of crop emergence and stands at V6 revealed a nice uniform stand across the testing strips. On average across the site, I came up with a stand of nearly 34,300 for the early test and 34,100 for the late test...not too bad.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 180 units of N applied in the fall and 22 units of N sidedressed in the spring. The field also received 104 units of P and 120 units of K.

Still waiting to hear back from our host cooperator here about what product(s) were used for herbicide. It looked very clean when I visited!

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister stage (R2), 78 GDUs ahead and 0.03" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Corn here was nice and tall indicating good growth. There was a little bit of root lodged corn that was very spotty throughout the plot area, but it had already goosenecked back up. This was not widespread throughout the field. Gray leaf spot incidence was prevalant in susceptible hybrids and may be the factor that separates genetic performance during harvest.

Saratoga, IA Corn

2011-07-29T17:49:00.000-05:00

Saratoga was planted on May 11 this spring - about a week later than the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the immediate area were also finishing up corn planting along with getting busy with soybean planting since the delayed start from a cooler and wetter than normal spring. Once ground was dry, the dust was flying as planters (much larger than mine) covered a lot of acres in a small amount of time. Soil conditions at planting were average as we attempted to dodge a band of short rain showers that lasted just long enough to make the top 1/4" of soil tacky as we planted. Fortunately, seed placement was good and crop emergence reflected that. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANC, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the ultra-early, early & late tests. Stands were evaluated at V6 and came out to be nearly 34,800 for the ultra-early test, 34,700 for the early test, and 34,500 for the late test.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the addtional N applied by the cooperator this season. I am still collecting the final numbers from this host farmer and will include them in the harvest report after harvest.

Me-Too-Lachlor (ai: metolachlor), Atrazine and Callisto (ai: mesotrione) were used for weed control in this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in late blister to early milk stage (R2/R3), 129 GDUs ahead and 2.06" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area. While scouting this site, I observed presence of Corn Flea Beetle and subsequent Stewart's leaf blight also starting to express itself. Corn was tall and had very good growth. No other foliar diseases were noted.

The cooperator at this site brought up an excellent point regarding plant stands and seed source that I thought I'd share. He observed some variance in plant stands in his own testing strips from hybrid to hybrid as well as the same type of variance in the FIRST plot area. While not immediately obvious to the untrained eye, he noted that differences in a plant stand of 2,000 seeds per acre could be detected after counting fixed row lengths. (It is also my procedure to count fixed row lengths of every single strip tested in all FIRST tests early in the season ~V6. This data is recorded and published in the Harvest Reports every year for all hybrids - see www.firstseedtests.com). It was discussed that there could possibly be differences in seed quality from differing seed lots that is evidenced after planting. Indeed, I also regularly see differences in plant stands from different hybrids after all 18 reps are averaged in a given region across all 6 testing sites. To eliminate differences from site to site, it is our procedure to package all testing strips from any single hybrid from one bag/one source/one lot. Despite this, I also have observed some hybrids do very well even at final stands well below the intended final stand. It is apparent that some hybrids tend to compensate better than others were there are skips/gaps.

Greene, IA Corn

2011-07-29T16:35:00.000-05:00

Greene was planted on May 7 this spring - about a day or 2 earlier than the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Soil conditions at planting were good as weather was trending warmer than the cooler/wetter spring we were experiencing through the last week of April. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANC, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the ultra early, early & late tests. This field is as uniform and flat as I've found for awhile and I'm excited to see the data that comes from here. Crop emergence was good following some hot weather in the weeks immediately following planting. Stand averages across the testing strips at V6 were 33,300 for the ultra-early test, 34,000 for the early test, and 33,100 for the late test.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 131 units of N applied in the spring. The field also received 78 units of P and 90 units of K.

G-Max Lite (ai: dimethenamid + atrazine) was used as the herbicide to control weeds in this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister stage (R2), 48 GDUs ahead and 0.36" of rain behind the 30 year average for this area. Corn here was very tall and had good growth. While looking through the testing strips for anything of interest, I did observe very little presence of Gray leaf spot starting along with Holcus leaf spot among susceptible varieties.

Iowa Falls, IA Corn

2011-07-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

Iowa Falls was planted on May 6 this spring - a little later than the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the immediate area were doing a mix of finishing corn and starting soybean planting. With the cooler and wetter than normal weather we had this spring, planting was delayed about a week or so for this area. This was the first site to be planted in the IANC corn region as we moved from the northwestern site of the state to the east. Soil conditions at planting were good at this site and favorable weather the following couple weeks allowed for good emergence as well in this continuous corn field. Stands were uniform across the testing strips and on average across the site, I came up with a stand at V6 of nearly 34,400 for the early test and 34,000 for the late test.

Since this field has been continous corn for a number of seasons, the 2011 crop was supplemented with 180 units of N during the fall 2010 as well as 100 units of K.

Corvus (ai: thiencarbazone-methyl & isoxaflutole) + Atrazine was used for weed control in this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister stage (R1), 47 GDUs ahead, and 3.45" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Diseases worth noting were starting symptoms of Holcus leaf spot, Northern leaf blight and a little bit of Eyespot.

Mason City, IA Corn

2011-07-29T15:43:00.000-05:00

Mason City was planted on May 11 this spring - about a week later than the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Most farmers in the immediate area were trying to finish up corn planting during this week as planting progress in north Iowa made great headway with favorable weather. This was the last site to be planted in the IANC corn region this spring due to cool and wetter than normal conditions here in northern Iowa. Soil conditions at planting were average on this continuous corn field. After a planter breakdown in the buffer area, the testing strips were planted in fine shape. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANC, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. Considering the fact that this is continuous corn year-to-year, crop emergence was uniform and stands at V6 were good. On average across the site, I came up with a stand of nearly 33,900 for the ultra early test, 33,700 for the early test, and 33,900 for the late test.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in late silking to early blister stage (R1/R2), 47 GDUs ahead, and 3.45" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Corn here was very tall. While looking for yield limiting diseases/insects I noticed a fair amount of corn rootworm beetles present. Eyespot was prevelant in susceptible hybrids and Gray leaf spot was also occurring mid-canopy in susceptible hybrids. These pests/diseases may be factors later in the season as we progress toward harvest and may cause differences in performance among the genetics being tested here.

Lu Verne, IA Corn

2011-07-29T15:23:00.000-05:00

Lu Verne was planted on May 4 this spring - the same day the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the area had also been planting corn that week since soil temps were above 50 F and trending warmer. Soil conditions at planting were very good and though I had never before had issues with planting 2.25" deep (to secure brace roots through the season) I wondered after evaluating stands if this soil type is more conducive to more shallow planting. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the ultra early, early & late tests. While stands at V6 were not what I had hoped, they were still uniform and comparable to typical stands in this area. On average across the site, I came up with a stand of nearly 33,700 for the ultra early test, 32,500 for the early test, and 32,600 for the late test.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement our cooperator's fall and spring fertilizer applications which I am still collecting from him.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in blister stage (R2), 239 GDUs ahead and 1.81" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area. Corn was a little shorter here than what I had seen across the other north Iowa corn sites. While looking for anything that could contribute to yield effects, I did notice the onset of Stewart's leaf blight in susceptible hybrids, some Holcus leaf spot to a lesser degree and some Gray leaf spot getting started. These diseases are worth noting and may cause separation of yield performance among the genetics in these tests as we move closer toward harvest.

Rinard, IA Corn

2011-07-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

Rinard was planted on May 3 this spring - a day after the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the immediate area were also starting to plant corn that day since soil temps were above 50 F and trending warmer. Soil conditions in this continuous corn field at planting were average-to-good. Fall tillage really allows this soil type to mellow over the winter and works nicely in the spring. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. Some hot weather the week following planting really got the seed out of the ground fast and made for some good stands. On average across all testing strips, stand counts at V7 were 34,050 for the early test and 34,200 for the late test. Corn was very tall and green already at V7!

This testing site is continuous corn year-to-year and was supplemented by 210 units of N during the spring (NH3).

Corvus (ai: thiencarbazone-methyl & isoxaflutole) + Atrazine was used to control early season weeds. A 2nd application of Laudis (ai: tembotrione) did a nice job of controlling some escaped ragweed in this field prior to V10. Headline (ai: pyraclostrobin) was also applied to this field at R1 to protect against foliar fungi.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister stage (R2), 201 GDUs ahead and 4.8" of rain below the 30 yr average for this area according to the nearest weather station. There is some very tall corn here on very productive soil. Some strong winds and a thunderstorm on July 1 may have caused some minor leaf damage and induced Goss's wilt into this field as it is very apparent within the testing strips among susceptible hybrids. I would expect some separation in yield performance based on tolerance to Goss's wilt as it progresses throughout the rest of the season. Also noted in this field was Holcus leaf spot and some Northern leaf blight. These diseases will continue until maturity, but we may still see strong yield from this field if timely rains continue.

Emmetsburg, IA Corn

2011-07-29T12:44:00.000-05:00

Emmetsburg was planted on May 4 this spring - right around the same time that they were planting surrounding fields here at the college. Even though planting was delayed for about a week or so, soil conditions at planting were good. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the ultra early, early & late tests. Crop emergence at this site was good, but not spectacular. After doing some stand evaluations at V6, I came up with an average stand near 32,700 for the IANO (ultra early) test, a little more than 32,000 for the IANWa (early) test, and about 33,300 for the IANWb (late) test. We still have a good uniform stand to work with across the testing strips, but it is below the average stand I have observed at other testing sites at this planted population.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 140 units of N applied in the spring. The field also received 75 units of P and 90 units of K.

Impact (ai: topramezone) and Atrazine were used as the herbicides in this field. So far, no fungicide has been applied.

On my recent trip to this field on July 28, the field was in blister stage (R2), 178 GDUs ahead and 1.05" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Corn was not the tallest but had good growth. As I looked for potential yield limiting diseases in this field, I found a number of diseases just starting to express including, Gray leaf spot, Physoderma brown spot, and Stewart's leaf blight from some corn flea beetle feeding. I would suspect that we will see some separation of yield perfomance in this field among hybrids that have varying levels of genetic tolerance to these particular diseases...something to watch.

Rembrandt, IA Corn

2011-07-29T12:03:00.000-05:00

Rembrandt was planted on May 3 this spring - a bit earlier than the host cooperator and most surrounding farmers around the plot area. While soil temps were above 50 F and trending warmer, soils in this area were holding moisture longer and warming slower. Soil conditions at planting in this ridge-till field were just a bit tacky in valleys, but better up on the ridges where the seed was planted. Once we finally figured out how to set the planter up properly in buffer strips, the seed placement was good. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. Crop emergence at this site was good considering the below average planting conditions and provided a uniform stand across the testing strips within each test. On average across the site, the early test was near 34,000 and the late test was near 34,300 at V6, both stand of which I consider to be good.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 105 units of N applied in the fall and 110 units sidedressed in the spring. The field also received 115 units of P and 85 units of K.

Balance Flex (ai: isoxaflutole), Impact (ai: topramezone) and Atrazine were used as herbicides so far this season and Evito 480 (ai: fluoxastrobin) was used as a fungicide early in the season.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister (R2), 104 GDUs ahead and 3.04" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area with most of that deficit being experienced during July. Aside from being a little behind on rain up to pollination, the corn does not look stressed at all. There is actually some very tall corn here versus other parts of northern Iowa. I looked pretty hard for any yield limiting diseases and could find nothing here to date...probably the result of the early application of the fungicide. It looks healthy from top to bottom and hopefuly will hold out to the rest of the season.

Paullina, IA Corn

2011-07-29T11:32:00.000-05:00

Paullina was also planted on May 2 this spring - same day as the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Along with the rest of northern Iowa farmers, we were delayed a week or longer due to cool and wet spring weather. When we got rolling here, soil conditions were very good. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the ultra early, early & late tests. During a later visit at V6, crop emergence was uniform and had an excellent stand that averaged nearly 34,200 across all testing strips.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 135 units applied in the spring. The field also received 80 units of P and 100 units of K.

Harness Xtra (ai: acetochlor & atrazine) and Impact (ai: topramezone) were used for weed control in this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in blister (R2), 53 GDUs ahead and 2.92" of rain behind the 30 yr average for this area. I won't try to speculate what that shortage in late June-early July may do to final yield since the plants didn't look stressed at all and there is a lot of growing season left. As the plants were growing very rapidly here the past couple weeks, some N-deficiency was observed on the very bottom leaves that had not been shed yet. No other foliar diseases were observed at this site

Remsen, IA Corn

2011-07-29T11:08:00.000-05:00

Remsen was planted on May 2 this spring - a little earlier than the host cooperator planted his field around the plot area. Other farmers in the immediate area were also starting to plant corn that day since soil temps were above 50 F and trending warmer. This was the first site to be planted in the IANW corn region this spring due to cool and wetter than normal conditions here in northern Iowa.
Soil conditions at planting were just a bit wetter than what I consider ideal, but seed placement was good and the planter was set accordingly to deal with the soil type. Like all other FIRST corn testing sites in IANW, the planting population here was 35,100 for all hybrids tested in the early & late tests. To my suprise, crop emergence at this site was very good and provided a nice uniform stand across the testing strips. On average across the site, I came up with a stand of nearly 34,700 when corn was at V6.

Since the previous crop was soybean in 2010 on this field, some N credits were available to supplement the 53 units applied in the fall of 2010, 20 units in the spring, and 50 more units sidedressed late spring. The field also received 60 units of P and 50 units of K.

Capreno (ai: thiencarbazone + tembotrione) was used as the herbicide in this field.

On my recent trip to this field on July 27, the field was in late blister to early milk stage (R2/R3), 44 GDUs ahead and 1.78" of rain ahead of the 30 yr average for this area. Corn was a little shorter here than other areas of northern Iowa but still looked healthy. There was a minor amount of some green snapped plants at the site and there was a small degree of Eyespot observed to date.

2011-01-05T22:03:00.001-06:00