June 2007

Field Notes by Jeremy Buhl, Agronomist
 These are some observations and recommendations from my recent experience in the field:

1.  This can be the most important time to protect yield.  Many fields are filling up with weeds right now and reducing yield potential.  Treat weed problems in a timely fashion to avoid these losses.  This includes corn and soybeans.Many fields do not have any early applied, residual herbicide on them.  The wind and rain we have been getting is making it harder to kill weeds when needed.  Something to think about for next year is applying a soil applied herbicide, especially on corn.  This will reduce much risk, as well as, yield loss.
2.  There is plenty of corn out there with poor roots.  There are several potential reasons.  First, some corn was planted into wet soil.  This can cause sidewall compaction or roots that are undeveloped altogether.  Roots with sidewall compaction will be fanned out right down the middle of the furrow.  Undeveloped roots may appear clubbed off or stunted.  Another potential problem is excessive washing.  This may have removed too much soil from the base of the plant and exposed the top of the roots.

Undeveloped roots may look like these:

Photo by John Sawyer

In all cases, plants may lodge and gooseneck now, fall down later in the season, or die.  Also, the plants will have reduced ability to take in water and nutrients.  Fields should be scouted now to begin finding these problems.  Hopefully all the surprises at harvest time are positive ones.
3.  Bean leaf beetle seems to be wrapping up for this generation.  I was finding plenty of feeding on the earliest beans; but the plants emerging now have far less or no feeding.  The beetles will be back with more generations all season long.  They especially need to be watched during pod development.  That will be when they have the next highest potential of yield reduction.
4.  Watch for discolored corn or leaves with striping.  This may be a sign of a nutrient deficiency.  Fertility may still be able to be addressed, depending on the field.
5.  I have been taking many stand counts.  Now is a very good time to look at things that reduced your stand, so that they can be addressed next year.  It may be insect, disease, tillage type, planting equipment, etc….  In all cases, adjustments can be made.
6.  Finally; in case you haven’t heard:  There is no additional confirmed soybean rust in Iowa.  The one leaf is the only one that was found in extensive testing.  How it was in Iowa in March is still a mystery.  Federal officials are investigating.

Thanks and have a good early growing season.

FSC Computer History

 You ask how FSC got started selling computers? Well, about 15 years ago, when farmers were purchasing fertilizer and chemicals for their farming operation, they were also looking for ways to track their finances. We started in the basement of the General Office selling FBS software. They also were needing a computer to run this software, so we became resellers for Gateway computers.  The computer sales grew because of our support, and we have moved to the east wing upstairs of the General office to have a more convenient store front for customers and are now Dell Solution Providers. Here is some of what we offer:
   Sales – Supplies – Service  

Personal computers:
Dell solution Provider -several laptops and desktops on hand.
Printers, Cameras, Hardware, software and much more.
Support and services options available.
Repairs and upgrades on your current computer

Commercial and Business:
Network Design and Consulting
Server and System Configuration
System Recovery
Complete network care
Satisfaction

Check out the computer link on the left for more details and products.