C.O.R.N. Newsletter: 2024-10

Crop Observation and Recommendation Network

C.O.R.N. Newsletter is a summary of crop observations, related information, and appropriate recommendations for Ohio crop producers and industry. C.O.R.N. Newsletter is produced by the Ohio State University Extension Agronomy Team, state specialists at The Ohio State University and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC). C.O.R.N. Newsletter questions are directed to Extension and OARDC state specialists and associates at Ohio State.

Wheat Management for Spring 2024

Author(s): Laura Lindsey, Pierce Paul, Ed Lentz, CCA, Alyssa Essman
Spring is an important time to make key management decisions for winter wheat. Decisions should be made on wheat growth stage, not calendar date or crop height. Correct growth stage identification and knowledge of factors that affect grain yield can enhance management decisions, avoiding damage to the crop and unwarranted or ineffective applications. Several scales can be used to identify wheat growth stages, including the Feekes and Zadoks scale. Here we focus on the Feekes Growth Scale and key spring management practices.
Spring 2024 Weather & Soil Conditions: Update 3

Author(s): Aaron Wilson
Soil Temperatures and Moisture

Daily average soil temperatures jumped 5-10°F this week due to warmer conditions, randing from the low 50s in Ashtabula to as warm as 57°F at Western in Clark County (Figure 1).
Big Swings Ahead for Planting, Growing and Harvest Season

Author(s): Jim Noel
As El Niño continues to weaken in the eastern Pacific Ocean the "rapid change" often leads to a wetting up as we discussed last time for a part of spring. This wetting up has occurred across Ohio in the last month with some areas wetter than others and could continue into May but to a lesser extent. The years where strong El Niño events came to an end in spring include 2016, 1998, 1982, 1973 and 1958.
Alfalfa Weevil Activity is Beginning to Peak

Author(s): Kyle Verhoff, Aaron Wilson, Kelley Tilmon, Andy Michel, Maggie Lewis
Alfalfa weevil larval activity is beginning its peak activity in southern Ohio and the rest of the state isn’t far behind. Alfalfa weevil feeding activity is driven by the accumulation of growing degree days (GDD) and reaches their peak feeding and damage when heat units for the area are between 325 and 575 (accumulation from a base of 48°F starting January 1st). The warm temperatures over the past week have contributed to a significant jump in GDD and ramped up alfalfa weevil larval feeding. As of writing this (Jan.
Battle for the Belt: Season 2 Episode 3- April Weather Update

Author(s): Taylor Dill, Aaron Wilson, Laura Lindsey, Osler Ortez
Episode 3 of Battle for the Belt is now available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXM78qlKrYg
2024 Second Quarter Fertilizer Prices Across Ohio

Author(s): Amanda Bennett, Eric Richer, CCA, Clint Schroeder
Results from a quarterly survey of retail fertilizer prices in the state of Ohio revealed fertilizer prices were slightly lower than national averages reported by Progressive Farmer - DTN (Quinn, 2024). The survey was completed by 32 retailers, representing 19 counties, who do business in the state of Ohio. Respondents were asked to quote spot prices as of the first day of the quarter (April 1st) based on sale type indicated.
FRST Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool Launches Nationwide to Digitize Crop Nutrient Management

Author(s): Dr. Manbir Rakkar
The FRST project partners are proud to announce the nationwide release of the FRST (Fertilizer Recommendation Support Tool), a decision-aid that provides an unbiased, science-based interpretation of soil test phosphorus and potassium values for crop fertilization.