A 2014 multi-site field study on the effects of Clariva seed treatment on soybean yield and Soybean Cyst Nematode reproduction

Bruce Potter, Senyu Chen, Phil Glogoza and Ryan Miller

The soybean cyst nematode (SCN) is a serious pest of Minnesota soybean and has been managed with crop rotation and soybean varieties with resistance to SCN.  SCN populations virulent on (able to infest, reproduce on and damage) SCN resistant soybeans are increasingly widespread.  Virulence on the PI 88788 resistance source is the most common, but increasing numbers of field populations virulent on Peking or both PI88788 and Peking resistance sources have been observed (Chen, et al. 2011). Therefore, effective chemical or biological complements to resistant varieties would be helpful to soybean growers’ SCN management programs.

USDA Cover crop guidelines updated

Jill Sackett and Dr. M. Scott Wells, University of Minnesota

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released updated termination and insurance guidelines for farmers using cover crops. An interagency workgroup organized by Farm Service Agency (FSA), the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and Risk Management Agency (RMA) developed a cover crop management guide in order to have consistent and flexible cover crop policy for the Nation’s farmers. The third version of the guide, NRCS Cover Crops Termination Guidelines, was released in September 2014. RMA also has released updated insurance information on its 2015 Cover Crop FAQ website.

Forages for "U" Workshops Scheduled

Doug Holen, Extension Educator-Crops

To address key forage production and management issues in Minnesota, a series of forage workshops will be held in February and March of 2015. Individual sites include Rushford on February 20, Fergus Falls on February 24, and Hutchinson on March 2. This program, developed by the University of Minnesota Extension and sponsors, is aimed at current issues and research in forage production and management with the goal of increasing forage production and farm profitability. Topics, presenters, and agenda differ by location.

Past participants expressed that they have benefited from the applied, research-based, and timely information presented and the open discussion format designed to encourage audience participation. Partipation fee is $30, which includes a meal and handouts. Registration is preferred and can be done through the University of Minnesota Extension Forages for "U" webpage.
Click here for a link to the brochure.

Drainage Design & Water Management Workshops

Three workshops will be held this winter to teach attendees how to design artificial drainage systems for agriculture.  The two-day workshops will be held in Sioux Falls, SD, February 17 - 18, St. Cloud, MN, February 24 - 25, and Grand Forks , ND March 10 - 11.  The target audience for the workshops include: farmers who wish to do their own drainage system installation, drainage contractors wanting a refresher or training for new employees, and anyone else that would like to know something about drainage design.

Barriers to Bushels Program to address corn and soybean production issues at six Minnesota locations

To help address key management issues of northwestern and west central Minnesota producers, Barriers to Bushels will be held at six locations in late February and early March. This is a program developed by University of Minnesota Extension aimed at current issues and research in corn/soybean crop production with the intent to ultimately help increase a producer's margins.

Southwest Research and Outreach Center's Winter Crops & Soils Day to be Held at Three Locations

The Southwest Research & Outreach Center (SWROC) will host Winter Crops and Soils Day Tuesday, February 3 in Luverne and Wednesday, February 4 in both Lamberton and Granite Falls. Winter Crops and Soils Day is a public event highlighting current University of Minnesota research that is specific to southwestern Minnesota.  Leading experts from the University will be on hand to present information and answer questions.

Register for the March 6 Nitrogen Conference

Fabián Fernandez, Extension Nutrient Management Specialist

Registration is open for Nitrogen: Minnesota's Grand Challenge and Compelling Opportunity. The conference will be Friday, March 6, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. at the Best Western Plus Kelly Inn of St. Cloud, MN.

The event is free of charge, but registration is required by February 27, 2015. For more information and to register, visit http://z.umn.edu/Nconference.

The conference is focused on nitrogen management for crop producers and ag professionals. Nitrogen is essential for crop production, but many factors influence the efficient use of this nutrient in agricultural systems. Managing this nutrient effectively in Minnesota is important for financial and environmental benefits.

Topics range from nitrogen markets and climate trends to accounting for nitrogen credits and in-season nitrogen management. Seven continuing education credits (CEUs) will be available. The full agenda is available at http://z.umn.edu/Nconference.

This event is collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture.