The potential on soybean fields is looking better than initially expected. Many plants that were blessed with timely rains are podding up well. It is amazing when driving through the county just how many fields are starting to turn. 

On the negative side, many fields of soybeans are showing signs of Japanese leaf beetle and spider mite activity. For the most part, the beetle damage is not remotely close to the economic threshold.

Unfortunately, sudden death syndrome is also popping up in some fields around the county (more so towards the south of the county). See picture below. Usually, sudden death goes hand in hand with soybean cyst nematode. If your field is showing signs of sudden death, it would be worth sampling to find out your egg count.  SCN can be managed through rotation and seed treatments. 

Weeds have also been a more common pest this year. With the dry start to summer we had, the beans were not yet filled in when forecasts turned dry which gave weeds an opportunity to pull through the canopy cover before it had the chance to close. We expect to see more pre-harvest burndown this year compared to prior years for this reason. 

We are now starting to dive in to IP soybean contracts. If you have IPs in the ground, you can expect to get an email or phone call over the next few days/weeks to clean that up before we get into the thick of harvest. 

Harvest is expected to be less than a month away for early planted/early variety soybeans. In last week's survey, 50% of the voters thought beans would be off on the 26-30th of September, with 10% thinking earlier, and 40% thinking later.

The beans to the left are turning, while the beans above have fallen victim to Sudden Death. Notice the necrotic lesions between the leaf veins on the Sudden Death affected plant. 

Wheat stubble action has been in full swing. Between spraying, tillage, soil sampling, fertilizing and the end of planting cover crops, most wheat fields in the area have seen some action. 

If you are wanting to do any of the things mentioned above, please feel free to reach out to your agronomist for advice! 

• Jason: 519-330-9746
• Darrin: 519-330-9812

Additionally, now is the time of year to start thinking about preparing for fall wheat planting (Are you going to need seed?). With 2023 SRWT prices still north of $9, this crop is a profitable option to consider. We are getting ready to clean, treat and deliver wheat seed. Blaze is our SRWT seed variety that contends with any other SRWT and has a great disease protection package. Call to find out more! 

Corn looks decent for the most part and is starting to get dry.

Less than ideal planting conditions continue to haunt a lot of the corn and soybeans this year. The wet spring resulted in limited root growth for many plants due to soil compaction.

Tar spot emergence is very low, and there are hardly any symptoms on local corn. Additionally, VOM is a low threat due to the dry weather we have been having. Usual suspects like northern corn leaf blight is occurring locally, but at very low levels due to minimal thunderstorms and moisture.