Wheat planting conditions in Kansas: Early October 2022
As of October 2, the wheat planted acreage in Kansas was 30%, down from this time last year. With dry soils and prolonged drought across much of Kansas, many producers are wondering if waiting for rain is the best option. This article discusses the advantages for waiting for rain or planting into dry soils. Current planting conditions and the upcoming weather forecast are also discussed.
Check herbicide labels before using soybeans for livestock feed
Drought conditions throughout Kansas are forcing farmers to consider harvesting soybeans for forage instead of grain. Many factors should be considered when making this decision. Herbicide applications made during the growing season are one thing to consider. Many herbicide labels restrict the use of soybeans as a forage.
Tar spot of corn: A new threat to Kansas corn
Tar spot of corn has been officially detected for the first time in Kansas. Two counties in northeast Kansas have confirmed cases of tar spot. Tar spot was first detected in the US in 2015 and has quickly spread thoughout the Midwest. Now is the critical time to identify fields with tar spot as these locations could be at a higher risk for 2023.
Aflatoxin in corn: A potential concern for the 2022 season
Aspergillus ear mold is favored by hot and dry conditions and is a concern for the 2022 Kansas corn season. Aspergillus can produce aflatoxin, a known carcinogen that is highly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Producers can reduce the incidence of aflatoxin and other mycotoxins after harvest by taking certain precautions.
Musk thistle control in the fall
Musk thistle is one of 12 noxious weeds in Kansas infesting nearly 500,000 acres. Control efforts should be aimed at reducing or eliminating new populations and established stands should be managed with any accepted control method. Fall is an excellent time to treat musk thistle since they are in the rosette stage of growth.
Drought progression in Kansas during the 2022 growing season
Drought conditions across Kansas have steadily worsened since the start of this growing season. Parts of Kansas that were drought-free in April are now classified in the most extreme drought classification. How did we get there? This article looks at the progression of drought across Kansas this growing season.
2022 fall weather outlook for Kansas
Kansas continues to see prolonged drought and warm temperatures through the fall. This article discusses the science behind the weather patterns this last year in Kansas and looks ahead to the end of the year and into 2023. What can we expect moving into the last 3 months? Will 2023 start differently than the last couple of years?