The planting season begins another year under considerable uncertainty.  While trade issues remain, the continued spread of the coronavirus and the ensuing market collapse complicates an already difficult decision.  Projections from many market observers indicate increases in corn and soybean acreage in 2020.  The March 31 Prospective Plantings report provides the initial indication of potential […]

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is an economically important disease affecting small grain production worldwide.  The disease is predominantly caused by the fungus Fusarium graminearum in the United States, where infections can decrease yields and impact quality through reducing test weights and contaminating grain with mycotoxins including deoxyniveanol (DON-vomitoxin).  Fusarium graminearum has a wide host range, […]

Many defoliating insects may be found in Nebraska soybeans. Estimating defoliation levels in fields is the best way to decide whether it will pay to treat for these insects. We saw several different insects in parts of Nebraska causing defoliation in soybeans in 2019. These included: woolly bear caterpillars green cloverworms grassshoppers bean leaf beetles […]