Today is August 4, 2021, and earlier this morning we recorded another episode of the Strategic Farming: Field Notes program.  The Field Notes program is a weekly update on the current crop situation and crop management considerations. Today’s session was moderated by U of MN Extension Crops Educators Anthony Hanson and Ryan Miller.  This episode featured Dr. Ken Ostlie, Corn Extension Entomologist, and Dr. Bob Koch, Soybean Extension Entomologist, both with the University of Minnesota Department of Entomology as well as Bruce Potter, IPM Extension Specialist based out of Lamberton, MN. Drought conditions during the growing season have exacerbated some pest issues, such as spider mites. Soybean aphid so far has only been found at low densities in most fields across the state, but there is still potential for aphid populations to reach damaging levels in August. Growers have reported corn rootworm adults at noticeable densities, and pests such as armyworms have been moving into corn from nearby grasses.

Link to Crop Management Pest tour registration for 8/10/21