Now is the time to think about controlling summer annual weeds prior to seed set in cropping situations where this is possible.

At least one soybean field in the Jackson Purchase area has suffered from mite damage.

The federal "pollution diet" imposed on Virginia and other bay states is supposed to reduce the phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment dumped into the Chesapeake Bay and its feeder rivers. Computer models based on a suite of reduction practices estimate that diet is mostly working. But real-world monitoring data shows a different story, according to the Environmental Integrity Project, a nonprofit anti-pollution group based in Washington.

Although insect pest problems have been relatively minor this year, farmers should stay vigilant and continue to scout corn and soybean.

Correcting acid soil conditions through the application of lime can have a significant impact on crop yields, especially with alfalfa. Liming is one of the most essential, but often overlooked, management decisions a producer can make.

A journal article published recently (July 2014) confirms that rotation-resistant and rotation-susceptible western corn rootworms are affected by Bt root tissue in a similar fashion.

As early corn comes to market in July, growers are reminded that timing counts for a lot when it comes to planting corn. That's why Mississippi State University scientists are researching the effects of planting date, plant population and hybrid selection on field corn yields.

Summer is in full swing. Soybeans are beginning to bloom, corn is tasseling and sunflowers will start to show their flashy yellow flowers soon.

Following the field day at western last week, we received some excellent questions about the pathogen that causes frogeye leaf spot.

To till or not to till? Mini-Cassia farmers are answering that question as more lean toward alternative methods to grow crops. Always looking for a way to boost crop yields and reduce water usage, many farmers are shaking up the established method of preparing fields and planting seeds. Greater yields, less water use and richer soil are some primary benefits they see from new methods.