Agriculture and Natural Resources News
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Nitrate toxicity in drought-stressed foragesDrought-stressed crops like sorghum, millet, and corn can accumulate high nitrate levels, posing serious risks to livestock. Proper testing and management of these forages are crucial to prevent nitrate toxicity. Learn more about best practices for forage testing and harvesting in this detailed K-State Agronomy eUpdate article. For additional information, refer to the K-State Research and Extension publication “Nitrate Toxicity”. |
K-State: Grazing cover crops benefits soil health in dryland systemsJuly 8, 2024—Discover how Kansas State University researchers are revolutionizing sustainable farming in the central Great Plains! Their latest study reveals that grazing cover crops can significantly improve soil health in no-till dryland cropping systems, addressing key concerns for producers in water-limited environments. Conducted over three years across multiple fields in Kansas, this research highlights how integrating livestock into cropping systems not only avoids negative impacts on soil properties but also boosts soil organic carbon and potassium levels. Dive into the findings and learn how this innovative approach can enhance both agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Read the full story at KSRE News. |
Grain Market Insights with Dan O'BrienLink to original Ag Today Podcast |
CAMPBELL: Identifying Chinch Bugs and False Chinch BugsJune 29, 2024—Chinch bugs in Kansas are a persistent threat to various types of grass, affecting everything from turf farms to golf courses. According to K-State Extension Entomologist Jeff Whitworth, these pests primarily target sorghum, but can also pose problems for corn and wheat. With the current surge in chinch bug activity in central and west central Kansas, it's crucial to differentiate between chinch bugs (Blissus leucopterus) and false chinch bugs (Nysius sp.). Anthony Zukoff, a K-State Extension Entomologist at the Southwest Research-Extension Center, emphasizes the importance of accurate identification for effective management strategies. Read more about Anthony’s insights on identifying these pests. |
Thrips in grain sorghumJ.P. Michaud, K-State Entomologist at the Agricultural Research Center in Hays, has reported an unusual surge in thrips activity on sorghum plants in Ellis County. Despite their tiny size, these insects have caused noticeable cosmetic damage. Alongside this, there's also been an increase in chinch bug pressure, which could pose a threat to crops. For detailed insights and recommendations from J.P. Michaud, read more. |
This K-State Agronomy eUpdate article, focuses on developing effective long-term control strategies for this troublesome weed that impacts Kansas farmers. Read the full eUpdate article. |
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Tank-mixing herbicides and agrichemicals is essential for effective weed control, but it can also increase the risk of physical incompatibility. This article provides an overview of tank-mix order principles for herbicide applications and emphasizes the importance of following product labels and conducting jar tests. For more detailed guidance and tips, check out the full article. |
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Herbicide applications and higher temperaturesWarmer temperatures are in the forecast for the latter part of June across Kansas. For July, the Climate Prediction Center is calling for an increased probability of warmer-than-normal temperatures statewide. If you are planning herbicide applications, here are some things to consider when applying herbicides during hot weather. Read the full story in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate. |
World of Weeds - TumblegrassTumblegrass, a native perennial grass that can be problematic in no-till fields, and learn how to distinguish it from similar species. Learn more in this K-State Agronomy eUpdate. |
Controlling weeds after wheat harvestThe 2024 wheat harvest is well underway, so it is time to think about weed control in wheat stubble. Weeds that have been suppressed by the canopy will grow rapidly once crop competition is removed. In addition, weeds that have emerged through the wheat canopy will be damaged during harvest and will quickly begin regrowth. Delaying control can result in lost soil moisture that could be used for crop production, as well as weed seed production which will cause difficulties in the future. Read the complete K-State Agronomy eUpdate story. |
Palmer amaranth control in grain sorghumWhen the aggressive nature of Palmer amaranth is combined with the limited post-emergence herbicide options in grain sorghum, problems often arise – even when an adequate preemergence herbicide program is used. This article covers post-emergence herbicide options for Palmer amaranth control in grain sorghum. |
2024 Kansas Wheat Plot Tours - Updated ScheduleMay 30, 2024 (Featuerd in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - The Department of Agronomy and K-State Research and Extension will host several winter wheat variety plot tours in different regions of the state. Make plans to attend a plot tour near you to see and learn about the newest available and upcoming wheat varieties, their agronomics, and their disease reactions. |
May 29, 2024 (Featured on Farms.com) - Soybean gall midge, a new pest to soybean production in the United States, has been found in two northeast Kansas counties. Kansas State University entomologist Anthony Zukoff, Southwest Research-Extension Associate said the pest causes devastating damage to fields. “After several years of Nebraska counties on the Kansas line having infestations, soybean gall midge finally showed up in northeast Kansas -- in Nemaha and Marshall counties -- last year,” Zukoff said. |
May 24, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) Corn rootworm degree day accumulation in Kansas is ahead of last year in the northern half of the state, with egg hatching expected to begin in one to two weeks. In the southern half, egg hatching is already underway, with peak hatch likely in two to three weeks. For more details and management recommendations, visit the K-State Agronomy eUpdate. |
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In many areas of Kansas, prolonged drought has resulted in short wheat and thin stands. Harvesting wheat in these situations can be a challenge. Special attention needs to be given to cutting height, machine adjustments, and operator control. In short wheat, getting the heads into the combine with less straw will be challenging. |
May 16, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - Kansas cotton growers escape most of the damaging insects found deeper in the Cotton Belt. However, as cotton acres continue to rise in the state, producers and consultants must be aware of insect pests with the potential to cause significant yield loss in this crop. |
May 9, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - The Soybean Gall Midge (Resseliella maxima) was first observed in Nebraska in 2011 but was not officially described as a new species until 2018 when this tiny fly established itself as an emerging pest of soybeans in South Dakota, Nebraska, Minnesota, and Iowa. New infestations have been documented every year since and its range has expanded into Missouri. Soybean gall midge has been documented in Nebraska along the Kansas border as recently as 2021. This pest should be actively scouted for during the growing season, especially in counties along the Nebraska border. |
Ensuring Quality Forage: A Comprehensive Guide to Sampling for Farmers and Ranchers in Western KansasFor farmers and ranchers in Western Kansas, ensuring forage quality is crucial for successful operations. Kansas State Research and Extension (KSRE) provides valuable publications to assist in every stage of forage production, including "Forage Sampling Procedures and Equipment" (MF3177) by John Slocombe and Lyle Lomas, which offers essential insights into effective forage sampling. |
How Does Western Ragweed Impact Pasture Production? |
White grub damage in brome fieldsApril 18, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - White grubs, the larvae of beetles commonly known as May beetles and June beetles, can be pests of many different commodities. Dead patches in brome fields in Kansas have recently been reported (Figure 1). The sizes of the dead patches varied across affected fields, but in all cases, white grubs could easily be found in soil when collecting samples from the areas (Figure 2). This strongly indicates that the white grubs are responsible for the observed dead zones. |
Soil temperature, weather forecast, and seed quality are critical for cotton establishmentApril 18, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - Cotton can overcome many stresses and produce profitable lint yields when the crop gets off to a good, uniform start. So, when is the “best” time to plant cotton to meet those criteria? In a thermally-limited environment for cotton, such as Kansas, we know we need to plant as early as possible to maximize yield potential. However, those extra heat units from early planting are only useful if you have a stand of plants to benefit. |
Several K-State publications on insect pest management updated for 2024April 11, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) -Several K-State Research and Extension publications related to insect management in Kansas were recently updated and are available to the public. These publications were prepared to help producers manage insect populations using the best available methods proven practical under Kansas conditions. They are revised annually and intended for use during the current calendar year. The user should know that pesticide label directions and restrictions are subject to change, and some may have changed since the publication date. |
K-State Technology Development Institute partners with agronomy department on ammonia studyApril 1, 2024—Kansas State University's Technology Development Institute (TDI) and agronomy department have partnered to enhance farmers' profitability by reducing nitrogen losses through innovative sampling devices. TDI optimized the design and created 3D-printed parts for passive samplers that measure nitrogen losses due to ammonia volatilization after fertilizer applications. Research indicates that up to 30% of nitrogen fertilizer can be lost to the atmosphere, and this project, funded by the Foundation for Food and Agriculture Research, aims to minimize these losses. By using advanced micrometeorological methods, the K-State team, led by Lucas Haag, Dorivar Ruiz Diaz, Eduardo Santos, and Peter Tomlinson, is conducting statewide measurements to improve nitrogen application methods and timing. Read the full story on Farms.com. |
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Researching efficient nitrogen managementEfficient nitrogen management is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the detrimental effects of overapplication. Kansas State University has been awarded a $872,560 Seeding Solutions grant by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) to enhance nitrogen management practices for Great Plains producers. With additional support from the Kansas Fertilizer Research Fund and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, the total investment reaches $1,745,125. This research aims to provide crucial regional data on nitrogen losses and climate-smart agriculture practices, focusing on water-limited grain sorghum production in central and western Kansas. Read the full story on Farm Progress. |
March 14, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - A recent fact sheet titled “Managing Spring Planted Cover Crops for Livestock Grazing under Dryland Conditions in the High Plains Region,” produced in collaboration with K-State, Colorado State University, and the University of Nebraska, offers comprehensive guidelines for optimizing cover crops for livestock grazing. It details best practices for species selection, stocking rate adjustments, and effective grazing management to maximize forage productivity and soil health. For the complete guide, visit the K-State Agronomy eUpdate or view the publication. |
Central Kansas Forage Update - March 21March 7, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - All are invited to attend a rapid-fire forage update sponsored by the Kansas Forage and Grassland Council in conjunction with the Mid-America Farm Expo on March 21 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The update will feature a hay market review, tips for managing woody encroachment and Old-World Bluestem on rangeland, and a focus on non-traditional forage alternatives and annual legumes to use as part of your overall forage program. Our group of forage experts will also hang around to answer your rangeland and forage questions at the end. |
Start monitoring alfalfa weevils using degree days and scoutingMarch 14, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - Degree day accumulations for Kansas alfalfa weevils are well ahead of normal for the entire state this year (Table 1). A similar trend occurred in 2023. There were reports of treatable infestations in south-central Kansas during the last week of March, and in mid-April of 2023, fields were being treated, or close to being treated, in the central, southeast, and northeast regions of the state. It is recommended that scouting for weevil activity should be occurring right now in all regions of the state. |
Don't miss the last K-State CropTalk webinar on March 12March 7, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate) - The popular K-State Crop Talk webinar series started on February 20, 2024. This year, CropTalk is focused on agronomic topics for producers across the western half of Kansas. Topics include management for wheat production, biological products concerning soil fertility, high pH soils, and fallow replacement options in dryland systems. Continuing education credits will be offered, with one credit for each session. |
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FFAR Grant Provides Data on Nitrogen Management Practices in the Great PlainsFebruary 20, 2024—Efficient nitrogen management is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the environmental impact of overapplication. Kansas State University received a $872,560 Seeding Solutions grant from the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research (FFAR) to study nitrogen management practices in the Great Plains. With additional funds from the Kansas Fertilizer Research Fund and the United Sorghum Checkoff Program, the total investment in this project is $1,745,125. This research aims to provide regional data on nitrogen losses and climate-smart agriculture practices, particularly for water-limited grain sorghum production in central and western Kansas. Read the full story at Foundation for Food & Agriculture website.
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Cover Your Acres Winter Conference, January 16-17January 4 & 11, 2024 (Featured in the K-State Agronomy eUpdate.) - K-State Research and Extension will host the 21st annual Cover Your Acres Winter Conference for crop producers and consultants on January 16 and 17. The conference will take place in the traditional in-person format at the Gateway Civic Center in Oberlin, KS. |
Western Kansas Fall Field Days are set for three locations in August
Soybean Gall Midge Shows Up in Two Kansas Counties
K-State Southwest Research and Extension Spring Field Day - May 28
Managing spring-planted cover crops for grazing