It was county fair week here in Columbus, Nebraska. If you happen to live in the area come on down to Ag Park to see the exhibits from area youth. There are many hard working 4-H and FFA members, who are eager to showcase all of their talents. They are the future of agriculture and it is vital that we support them. The sheep, goat, and cattle shows took place on Thursday and Friday. If you still want to watch a livestock show the swine show is Saturday at 8:00 AM the swine show will take place and the livestock sale starts at 1:00 PM on Sunday. The livestock sale is open to any business or individual that would like to support local 4-H and FFA members. Also I’m from Indiana and our favorite fair food is elephant ears, I know they don’t have them in Nebraska, but they are delicious!
On Monday and Tuesday, before the fair got into full swing, I was in corn and soybeans throughout the area. The corn has moved from VT into R1 and R2. There are some fields that are still vegetative, but very few. I was getting bathed in pollen on both days and continuous light winds are aiding the movement to silks. The major issue in our corn fields that I am seeing is disease. There have been several cases of possible bacterial leaf streak identified in the area. Confirmation of the disease is pending, but there have been confirmed cases throughout Nebraska. There is not a whole lot of research/information about this bacterial infection, but application of fungicide will not treat this disease. There are pockets of Gray Leaf Spot, Goss’s Wilt, and suspected Maize Chlorotic Mottle Virus scattered around the county. None of these diseases are present in large amounts, but be aware they were found. The other issue is the emergence of western bean cutworm moths. I have seen a few moths, but relatively no egg patches throughout corn fields. To determine the level of western bean cutworm, you need to stop five times in the field and look at 20 different plants at each stop. Look for eggs and moths to determine the amount of infestation/presence. Be sure to be aware of these issues emerging in our corn fields.
In soybeans, we are firmly into R1 to R3 throughout the area. Many canopies have closed. There were some pocket cases of frog eye leaf spot, with only sporadic lesions so be aware that this disease has appeared for the season. In general, we have had more moisture than normal and elevated temperatures, it is important to check weekly for fungal or bacterial diseases. Infections can develop quickly and take over, especially in extreme conditions i.e. heat or moisture. If you believe you have bacterial leaf streak, be sure to contact me to submit samples. The samples can be submitted for free, while the bacterial leaf streak survey is occurring this year. Please feel free to contact me regarding diseases or any other crop issues. Check back next week for more information, thanks for reading and be safe!
Crop Talk Megan 