Slugs – A Persistent Problem in Cool Years Updated

🕔09:05, 21.May 2014

I have gotten numerous calls about slugs this year in all crops but lately in cotton and soybean. Slug problems usually start on corn then soybeans then cotton in our area. This is only because we typically plant in this order. We have had isolated problems with slugs since 2004, some years worse than others.

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2014 Insect and Disease Scout School Dates Set Updated

🕔17:05, 12.May 2014

The dates for the 2014 Scout Schools have now been set. We will be providing detailed information on identification, biology, thresholds, and management of the major insect and disease pest of Mississippi row crops. These trainings can also be used to renew your insect and disease consultants license and CEU’s for Certified Crop Advisors will be provided at each. The meetings will also serve as In-Service training opportunities for MSU-ES agents as well. These trainings are great for the experienced and the inexperienced.

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Tips to Improve Nitrogen Response for Mid-South Corn Updated

🕔11:59, 12.May 2014

Considering the abundant rainfall we experienced during April and typically have, it is usually very important to optimize nitrogen fertilizer management. This newsletter discusses best management practices for corn nitrogen fertilization. These recommendations reduce the risk of nitrogen loss and can improve crop response when wet weather is prevalent during the spring.

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Farm Bill and Market News & Notes Updated

🕔12:26, 11.May 2014

A few items from us boring ag economists — We’re still analyzing the 2014 Farm Bill (largely waiting on the rules and regulations). But, in the mean time, click the links below for a few items that be of use:

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New Neonicotinoid Pollinator Protection Labels Updated

🕔17:03, 1.May 2014

We have had several calls in recent days as news gets out about the EPA’s recent label changes for neonicotinoid insecticides. The intent is to offer greater protection for pollinators in and around crops where this class of insecticides may be applied. Basically, the new language forbids the use of these products while bees are foraging and until flowering is complete and all petals have fallen off the plants. There are a few exceptions if certain criteria are met.

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Altered Corn Emergence – Compaction/Crusting Issues Updated

🕔14:29, 25.Apr 2014

I don’t have to tell any of you the amount of rainfall we have had over the last several weeks. Most of the rainfall we have receiving has been high intensity rainfall (i.e. all coming down at once). High intensity

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What is the Cut-Off Date for Planting Corn?

What is the Cut-Off Date for Planting Corn? Updated

🕔23:42, 11.Apr 2014

Much like last year, as rains delay corn planting progress, more concerns arise regarding the appropriate “cut-off” date for planting corn. This article states new guidelines for late corn plantings based upon recent MSU research.

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“Bee Aware” Flags Ready for Distribution Updated

🕔08:39, 26.Mar 2014

Recently several groups in Mississippi came together and developed then adopted a set of Cooperative Standards for row crop farmers and beekeepers in an effort to increase awareness of pollinator’s and create an environment where each could coexist while minimizing any

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Key Issues to Address at Corn Planting

Key Issues to Address at Corn Planting Updated

🕔10:12, 25.Mar 2014

Corn planting can be a hectic time, but it pays to take care of business when planting corn. Here are some keys to a successful start and optimal corn yields.

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UPDATED CONTENT: Dicamba and 2,4-D Plantback Restrictions Updated

🕔10:40, 21.Mar 2014

With the cold, wet weather, many burndown herbicide applications were delayed. This has led to a multitude of questions on plantback restrictions for 2,4-D and dicamba prior to planting corn and soybeans.

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Calibrating Insecticides in Row Crops Updated

🕔12:00, 20.Mar 2014

I have gotten numerous question about calibration of in-furrow rigs this year, so I am republishing an article I put up in the past that breaks calibrating pesticides down to a very easy understandable level. Proper calibration can mean the difference in control or failure of a product against the targeted pests and potentially thousands of dollars of savings to the grower.

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Vegetative Stage Corn Fungicide Applications in the Mississippi Production System: 2013 Large Plot Trials Updated

🕔08:05, 17.Mar 2014

During 2013, several fungicide trials were conducted to determine the benefit of vegetative growth stage timings in corn. Two large plot trials were conducted in east MS with the help of Dr. Dennis Reginelli. In this blog post, the results of two large plot trials were presented from one nonirrigated and one irrigated field setting. Small plot trial data will be reported at a different date.

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Is Super Early Corn Planting Really Critical? Updated

🕔20:52, 12.Mar 2014

March is here, anticipation is building and our fields may dry out soon, if rain holds off. So when should we start planting corn? This article gives tangible recommendations for determining suitable planting time when nature throws us curveballs.

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Bird Repellent Available to Protect Corn Seed Updated

🕔16:06, 21.Feb 2014

Mississippi has a 24c label allowing Avipel use on field or sweet corn seed for the purpose of repelling blackbirds and cowbirds. Thus, we no longer need to rely on an emergency condition to be declared. This newsletter will discuss different formulations and use of this product on corn seed.

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2014 Mid-South Ag Forum at the Mid-South Farm & Gin Show Updated

🕔15:13, 21.Feb 2014

The 62nd annual Mid-South Farm & Gin Show will be held February 28 – March 1, 2014 at the Cook Convention Center in Memphis, TN.  More than 400 exhibitors from more than 40 states will be on-hand showcasing the latest

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The Mississippi State University RISER Program: Efficient Methods for Furrow Irrigation Updated

🕔11:42, 12.Feb 2014

RISER irrigation approach reduces water use by 50% while maintaining yield potential.

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Future of Agriculture Graduate Student Competition Results Updated

🕔10:59, 11.Feb 2014

The results from the Second Annual Future of Ag Graduate Student Competition are included in this post.

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Don’t Overlook Zinc in your Corn Fertility Program

Don’t Overlook Zinc in your Corn Fertility Program Updated

🕔21:40, 7.Feb 2014

I have been fielding calls from many producers and consultants within the last week about zinc applications with corn planting season shortly around the corner.  Zinc deficiency in corn generally occurs early in the season (V2-V5) and manifests itself by

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2,4-D and Dicamba Reduce Control of Italian Ryegrass

2,4-D and Dicamba Reduce Control of Italian Ryegrass Updated

🕔07:01, 4.Feb 2014

Control of glyphosate-resistant Italian ryegrass was reduced with glyphosate plus Select Max at reduced rates when combined with 2,4-D Ester and/or Clarity.

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Cooperative Standards for the Coexistence of Row Crop Farmers and Beekeepers Adopted in Mississippi Updated

🕔09:30, 30.Jan 2014

Over the last several years there has been a media blitz surrounding the decline in honey bee populations around the globe. It seems like the science changes daily as to cause of the problem. Most believe it is a complex

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2013 MSU Corn Demonstration Program Results Updated

🕔23:03, 22.Jan 2014

The MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program evaluates superior corn hybrids from numerous seed companies who participate in the MSU Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. Our objective is to provide you more opportunity to evaluate premier corn hybrids and substantially supplement the information gathered in the University Hybrid Trials.

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Delta Ag Expo, Cleveland, MS – January 23 & 24, 2014

Delta Ag Expo, Cleveland, MS – January 23 & 24, 2014 Updated

🕔11:08, 11.Jan 2014

Attached please find the agenda for the Delta Ag Expo in Cleveland, MS. Make careful note that the dates of the meeting have changed from previous years due to a minor scheduling conflict with the Bolivar County Exposition Center.

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2014 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids

2014 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids Updated

🕔16:45, 6.Nov 2013

This effort lists those corn hybrids which have demonstrated superior productivity in the MSU Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. Approximately 80 corn hybrids representing the vast majority of seed companies in the Mid-south participate in the MSU hybrid trials. This information should help you better assess relative corn hybrid productivity and profitability in future seasons for either irrigated or dryland culture.

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2013 Row Crop Short Course Updated

🕔16:10, 5.Nov 2013

The 2013 Row Crop Short Course will be held at the Bost Extension Center on the campus of Mississippi State University from December 2 – 4, 2013.  The 2013 Row Crop Short Course will begin with an irrigation symposium hosted

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Joint MEA/MAPPAN/MWSS Annual Meeting and Roundtable Discussion Updated

🕔11:29, 16.Oct 2013

The 3rd annual joint MEA/MAPPAN/MWSS annual meeting will be held next week at the Bost Extension Building in Starkville, MS next week.  The dates of the meeting are Monday and Tuesday October 21-22.  We have a very informative and exciting

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