The Official Newspaper for Foster County
The Official Newspaper for Foster County
Rainfall amounts varied significantly across Foster County during August.
A series of weather systems brought as much as 1.5 inches of rain to parts of the county during the middle part of the month.
Other areas haven’t been as fortunate. McHenry, for example, reported just 0.3 inches of precipitation between Aug. 1 and 31. That’s just 13 percent of normal.
Rain showers slowed small grain harvest for a brief period, but combines were soon back in the field and making rapid progress.
On Aug. 26, corn was generally in the milk to dough stages, and soybeans were in the seed development stages.
Moisture stress can still significantly affect grain yield and quality at this point in the season.
The average maximum temperature in Carrington on Sept. 5 is 76 degrees. The average minimum temperature is 49 degrees.
Computer models can use weather records to predict the date when corn will reach maturity (black layer). That’s of interest to producers who are worried about frost.
The current prediction is that 86-day corn planted on May 28 of this year, will reach maturity in mid-September.
Our average first freeze date is Oct. 4.
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NDSU Extension and the North Dakota Soybean Council are again offering producers the opportunity to test fields for soybean cyst nematode free of charge.
This microscopic roundworm penetrates and moves through soybean roots, causing physiological damage by altering the metabolism of root cells.
Severely infected soybean plants are stunted and their development impaired. The leaves on infected plants may be chlorotic (yellow).
Without intervention, soybean cyst nematode populations will increase, driving down yields a little more each year.
Yields may fall by up to 30 percent before any above-ground symptoms become apparent.
Soybean cyst nematode has been confirmed in several Foster County fields, and it’s likely to be present in additional fields as well.
The pest can be transferred from field to field on tillage equipment. Dust storms, overland flooding and birds also contribute to its spread.
To determine whether or not soybean cyst nematode is present, soil samples must be sent to a laboratory.
The samples can be collected either before or after soybean harvest; however, they must be collected before fall tillage.
I have the pre-labeled bags that are used in this program, and I can also help collect soil samples.
If you are interested in testing your fields for soybean cyst nematode, please contact me in the extension office (652-2581).
