August 6, 2021 Volume 8 Edition 1
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Crop Update as of August 2, 2021
*Information and graphs obtained from August 2, 2021, USDA, NASS report
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Most of Iowa received much needed rain Friday, July 30 and Saturday, July 31 improving topsoil moisture levels to 16% very short, 34% short, 49% adequate and 1% surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 20% very short, 41% short, 39% adequate and 0% surplus. Although moisture levels improved slightly in northwest Iowa, the shortage remains evident with topsoil rated 62% short to very short and subsoil rated 82% short to very short.
Corn silking or beyond reached 92%, one day ahead of the 5-year average. Corn in or beyond the dough stage reached 42%, four days ahead of average. Five percent of the corn crop has reached the dent stage. Iowa’s corn condition was rated 62% good to excellent, down slightly from last week’s 65%. Ninety-three percent of soybeans were blooming, nine days ahead of the 5-year average. Soybeans setting pods reached 73%, eight days ahead of normal. Soybean condition was rated 61% good to excellent, unchanged from last week.
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Scattered showers provided limited relief for Minnesota farmers, leaving most of the state still very dry and in need of more rain, accordingUSDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Reports indicated some crop conditions improved slightly while others remained unchanged or declined.
Topsoil moisture supplies across Minnesota were rated 42% very short, 39% short, 19% adequate and 0% surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies were rated 39% very short, 42% short, 19% adequate and 0% surplus.
Corn silking reached 96%, one week ahead of the average. Corn in the dough stage or beyond was at 28%, two days behind last year but 2 days ahead of the average. Corn condition was at 36% good to excellent, down from last week’s 38%. Soybeans blooming reached 96%, one day ahead of last year and one week ahead of average. Soybean setting pods was 69%. Soybean condition declined to 34% good to excellent, compared to the previous week’s 36%.
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Spider Mites populations on the rise in dry areas |
When experiencing a stretch of hot and dry weather, it’s likely a good idea to think about scouting for spider mites. Soybean damage from spider mites is usually first observed near field borders or grassy areas within fields. To check for spider mites, simply pull up some of the affected plants, shake them over a white piece of paper, and wait for about 30 seconds. If spider mites are present, you will see what looks like small grains of sand move on the paper. These are the mites. Another sign mites are present is minute webbing on the underside of the discolored leaves.
If the weather remains hot and dry, spraying to control these spider mites is highly recommended. Though insecticides usually knock down the populations quickly, some insecticides allow for the mites to flare back up quickly, too. A miticide is specifically designed to control mites.
If you have questions about spider mites or other insects in your fields, contact your AFS agronomist to develop a plan that's right for you.
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Plant Nutrition Operations
AFS is hiring for the Plant Nutrition Operations position in the Rake office. Job requirements include performance of all aspects of warehouse including shipping, receiving and facility equipment maintenance. This position will require more trucking and delivery time than warehouse time.
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