Nematodes are common pests in many soybean fields in the state. Sometimes called the "hidden enemy"?, root-knot, soybean cyst, and reniform nematodes can be costly if they are ignored. Because they are not visible, damage caused by nematodes is often overlooked.

Growers will find key information to keep in mind about the ongoing threat of soybean rust and actions they can take to minimize potential losses from this disease in two videos now available online. The videos include highlights from numerous research and Extension projects carried out by land-grant university researchers from around the country involved in soybean rust research and monitoring efforts.

Precision farming technology that will allow reduced herbicide use by accurately identifying and spot-spraying weeds, developed from research funded by the Horticultural Development Company (HDC), is to go into commercial production.

Last month the U.S. Department of Agriculture extended the cut-off date for Michigan farmers to submit applications for the first 2014 round of Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) funding to March 21.

The trend among northern Plains farmers is toward using less tillage to produce field crops with more residue left on the soil surface and strip-till is one system being utilized in the area. Researchers from South Dakota State University detail some of the benefits and considerations for implementing and managing strip-till.

Agro-Culture Liquid Fertilizers announces the release of Kalibrate, a soil-applied potassium fertilizer that contains 6% sulfur.

Strip tillage is one of the conservation tillage options available for managing corn residue prior to planting soybeans. Interest in strip tillage is increasing because it offers the following benefits

For much of the Midwest, this has been one of the coldest winters in several decades. Chicago hasn't seen a winter this frigid in the past 30 years, and ranks as the 8th coldest average winter temperature since 1871. They have also recorded nearly 60 inches of snow through the first week of February.

Farmer Doug Seltz says he expects "unbelievable" 40 percent returns from his latest investment -- a strip-till system. Iowa State University data suggest the return on his conservation tillage system will be higher.