LAMAR, Mo. — Jill Scheidt, agronomy specialist with University of Missouri Extension, scouted fields around Golden City and Irwin August 8.

Corn was found to be at black layer or maturity.

“Some fields had ear rot, making the cob spongy. Ear and stalk rots can make harvesting difficult and increase harvest loss, inspect fields before harvest and adjust combine as needed,” said Scheidt.

Scheidt suggests testing corn for nitrate levels if considering haying or grazing stalks as high levels are toxic to livestock.

“Dry baling preserves the nitrate level, silage or balage reduces nitrate levels 20-50 percent over time,” said Scheidt.

Soybeans ranged from bloom to beginning seed. No insects seen; disease pressure low.

Scheidt recommends the following considerations if baling:

* Check insurance coverage.

* Review pesticide labels for hay and grazing restrictions on pesticides applied to soybeans.

* Silage/balage is preferred, it takes a long time for soybeans to dry enough for dry baling, and there is a rain damage and leaf loss risk. Make silage when seeds are developed and lower leaves start to turn color. Dry bale at mid-bloom. Cows are likely to refuse stems, increase intake by chopping, be cautious, soybeans and some weeds can accumulate nitrate during a drought.

* Soybeans have the ability to compensate by continuing to produce blooms. If bloom production has stopped, that is a sign the plant is not trying to compensate any more.

If considering grazing cover crops, seed most broadleaf cover crops in August.

“If aerial seeding, seed just before leaf drop in soybean,” said Scheidt.

For more information about the program, or to sign up for the program, contact Jill Scheidt at the Barton County Extension office, (417) 682-3579.

— Jill Scheidt, University of Missouri Extension

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