August Report Week

Earlier this week, the USDA's National Ag Statistics Service released the August Crop Production Report. 

Corn production numbers, in particular, have caused an uproar on social media and elsewhere. The gist of the discussion sounds something like this: "Where are they coming up with these numbers? That can't be close to right!" 

Here's the reason for this post: In both 2017 and 2018, the August report elicited similar responses. Maybe not to the extent that this report has caused turmoil, but similar nonetheless. And then when harvest got underway and then completed, we harvested near record overall yields.

This growing season has not been like those two, but we need to remember that USDA was closer to the correct numbers in August than most anyone would like to believe in both of the past two years. Maybe instead of raising quite so big a stink about how wrong the report is, we should wait and see exactly how close they are.

Kevin Nelson, CCA 4R NMS

Zombie Weed Apocalypse

The growing season of 2019 just keeps on giving. Without going over all the morbid details, let’s just say that it’s been challenging from the very beginning, and looks like the challenges will continue on through to harvest and beyond.

As we get into the latter part of summer we are still contending with weeds that have refused to die. For lack of a better term, zombie weeds. These weeds have had burndown herbicide treatments, pre-emergent residual treatments, one or more post treatments, and still refuse to die. Some are newly emerged, some have just not succumbed to the programs we had planned before the spring weather went off the tracks. And now they have gone to seed, or soon will. 

At this point, another spray trip becomes little more than an attempt at revenge. The plants are way above label size restrictions, and have hardened off with the dry conditions of the last few weeks. The chances are they won’t die, and the seed on them is probably already viable to bring on the next generation.

Am I going to give you the solution to the zombie weed apocalypse? Probably not. But I’ll point out that this weed control disaster isn’t a failure in any one program or system. We can find fields under all types of management that is experiencing problems, owing mainly to the conditions of the growing season. What I will say is this: start right now addressing the weed problems that will probably be coming our way in 2020. Here’s a list of things to consider:

• Since many, though not all, weed control systems now combine seed traits with herbicide products, now is the time to start putting those combinations together. These systems must start with variety and hybrid selection, and seed companies will be on your doorstep early this fall. Choose a system that fits your needs from a production standpoint as well as weed control ability.

• Consider cover crops to suppress weeds this fall. Some cover crop mixtures are better than others at keeping weeds down, and the consideration on how to terminate these crops needs to be factored in. Seed supplies may be an issue, as well.

• Talk to your retailer about a fall burndown treatment. This can make a tremendous difference in weed pressure in the spring. With what looks like an extended harvest, it is crucial that you make your plans and let your retailer know with plenty of time what you intend to do.

• Remember that applying a second or third application of the same mode of action or site of action is a great way to select for herbicide resistant weeds, and not a great way to control them.

So as you look out over your fields, frustrated with the zombie weeds poking through your crops or covering your Prevented Planting acres, remember that they aren’t coming after your brains, but you will need to put your brain to work now to prepare to hold them in check in the coming seasons. 

PrairieAgr19@gmail.com

Zombie Giant Ragweed

Zombie Waterhemp

Prairie Agronomics: A Re-Imagined Blog

Earlier this year, I began the formal process of starting a consulting firm. The result has been Prairie Agronomics. I consult with farmers on their crop production system, helping them with planning and problem solving. 

As part of this process, I am taking this Blogger site that I formed over ten years ago, which has sat basically idle for much of that time, and putting it to use as a platform for providing content for customers, prospects, friends, family and acquaintances. If you are reading this, you probably fall into one or more of these categories.

Much of this content will be agriculturally focused, more specifically agronomic in nature. Agronomy is the study of crops and soils and their interactions, including pests, nutrients, and management. But occasionally I will delve into topics that touch me or inspire me. Time will tell. 

My goal is to be much more intentional with the use of this platform, though probably not adhering to a "regular" schedule. I also have several colleagues who may show up as Guest Bloggers from time to time.

If you have questions that you feel could be addressed by a post, feel free to contact me and I'll see what I can do.

So come along for the ride, see where we wind up. Glad to be back and writing again.