BUTLER COUNTY AG NEWS
ISU Extension and Outreach information and resources for northeastIowa
April, 2017
BUTLER COUNTY
ISU Extension and Outreach
320 N. Main
Allison, IA 50602
Phone: 319.267.2707
Fax: 319.267.2708
Iowa State University Extension and Outreach does not discriminate on the basis of age, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or status as a U.S. veteran. Direct inquiries to Ross Wilburn, 515-294-1482,.
“Soil testing is not perfect but it is very important and useful for nutrient management,” said Mallarino. “Sampling provides the base for everything that can be done up to the nutrient application rate. If the sample doesn’t represent that field or field area, the fertilization decisions will be wrong. Farmers and consultants need to dedicate time to take a good soil sample because that’s the foundation for any treatment recommendations.”
The publication “Take a Good Sample to Help Make Good Fertilization Decisions”(CROP 3108) describes how to use soil survey maps and maps of other field characteristics, as well as different possible sampling approaches to consider the spatial variation of soil tests. The publication also describes how to use soil survey maps and maps of other field characteristics using precision agriculture technologies.
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Properly Maintaining Trees Can Help Avoid Disasters
GABBI EDWARDS, ISU Extension Urban Forestry
“Proper tree maintenance begins at an early age for the tree and continues throughout its life, using training methods to promote strong branch unions and canopy structure,” said Gabbi Edwards, urban forestry specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. “Continual maintenance creates strong and well-balanced canopies, which, in return, decrease the chance of damage from wind, storms and snow.”
“Winter is the perfect time to complete a quick evaluation of your tree’s hazard potential since overall canopy structure and form are easier to see than in the summer,” Edwards said. “Be on the lookout for any dead wood, broken, crossing and rubbing, diseased or hanging limbs.
“Another item to be aware of is weak branch unions. Weak branch unions are characterized by the appearance of the branch bark ridge, which is the joining tissue between a branch and the main trunk or stem. The branch bark ridge should be raised and look similar to a mountain ridge across a landscape. I the branch bark ridge seems to be folding inward on itself similar to a fault line, that is a sign of a weak branch union.
Proper pruning techniques are described in ISU Extension and Outreach publication “Pruning Trees: Shade, Flowering, and Conifer” (SUL 5). This pamphlet and others are available on-line or from your ISU County Extension office.
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3 CORN CONCERNS FOR 2017
CORN ROOTWORM, HYBRID MATURITIES, AND GOSS’S WILT ARE FACTORS TO CONSIDER THIS YEAR.
ByGil Gullickson
Getting anxious about planting season? It will soon be here. Here are factors to keep in mind for 2017.
Watch for Corn Rootworm
Tight economics have prompted farmers to trim seed costs by foregoing traits, such as those that resist corn rootworm.
“As an industry, we have been so focused on price,” says Jeff Hartz, director of marketing for Wyffels Hybrids. “But that might be setting us up for more risk.”
Although there have been isolated incidents of corn rootworm infestations, this pest has largely been absent in recent years. “One thing that mitigates this is that there are more rotated corn acres with soybeans,” says Hartz.
Still, this pest has a track record of bouncing back when it’s least expected. Keep your guard up via scouting fields this summer, says Hartz.
Watch Corn Maturities
“In our research, we’ve seen more disparity between labeled and actual maturities,” says Hartz. “We’ve seen hybrids labeled as 112-day, for instance, but they act much more like a 114-day maturity hybrid. This creates a yield advantage when compared to a true 112-day hybrid.”
What to do? “Farmers just need to be careful,” Hartz says. “A grower may be attempting to strategically spread risk by planting different maturities. In reality, they could be planting all similar maturities.”
Watch for Goss’s Wilt
Wet weather has fueled corn fungal corn diseases in recent years. Fortunately, fungicides are available as a tool to manage them.
Not so with Goss’s wilt. Fungicides don’t work on this bacterial disease.“There has not been a tremendous amount of Goss’s wilt the last few years, but you know the potential is there,” says Hartz.
The best way to curb this disease? Plant hybrids that tolerate Goss’s wilt, Hartz says.
“We have been a lot more intensive about identifying genetics that can tolerate and stand up to Goss’s wilt,” Hartz says.
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Dicamba and soybean: What to expect in 2017
URBANA, Ill. – One barrier to weed control on soybean farms has just been lifted. In early November, the Environmental Protection Agency approved a label allowing use of the herbicide dicamba in dicamba-resistant soybean, although only one commercial product received that label. Many Illinois farmers anticipate this technology will provide a much-needed method to control weeds that are resistant to multiple herbicides, as well as other difficult-to-control species.
To find out more about dicamba and soybeans go to
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2017 Herbicide Guide for Iowa Corn and Soybean Production
Micheal D. Owen , Robert Hartzler
This publication provides information on product and management updates, the role of pre-emergence herbicides in glyphosate resistant crops, corn and soybean herbicide effectiveness ratings, herbicide package mixes, and herbicide site of action and injury symptoms. For more information refer to the publication at
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2017 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey
Alejandro Plastina
Iowa farmers who perform custom work, hire work done, or some of both, have the 2017 Iowa Farm Custom Rate Survey schedule as a guide in determining custom rates.
This information is based on a survey of 152 Iowa farmers, custom operators, and farm managers. For each operation, the average rate from the survey, the median and the range are shown. Check out the Farm Custom Rate Survey
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Palmer Amaranth Identification
Robert Hartzler , Meaghan Anderson
Palmer amaranth has been identified both in crop fields and in conservation plantings using native seed mixes. Early detection is essential in order to prevent the new weed from getting permanently established in fields where it has been introduced.
Palmer amaranth is a serious concern due to its fast growth, high competitiveness, prolific seed production, and resistance to multiple herbicides.
This publication will help people new to Palmer amaranth differentiate it from waterhemp and the other weedy pigweeds found in Iowa.