Search

The article discusses the importance of understanding corn diseases when it comes managing farmlands in the U.S. It provides an overview of several corn diseases which include the gray leaf spot, which roughly spans from Minnesota to Louisiana, the northern corn leaf blight, which is more common in northern areas, and the southern corn leaf blight. Information about the Goss's bacterial wilt is also provided. INSET: Keep Disease Threat in Perspective.

The article offers suggestions for soil enrichment in order to increase corn production in the U.S. It states that farmers of the country should know about the importance of different nutrients present in the soil and they should check for nitrogen content in the soil. It further states that soil temperature, tillage farming and soil pH are other factors which affect the corn production but farmer can use nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonical nitrogen for enriching soil quality.

The article discusses key issues concerning nitrogen management for corn fields in the U.S. It includes an in-depth analysis of the importance of supplying the early-season nitrogen requirements of corn crops, as well as a discussion on how nitrogen application during the fall and/or spring will help prevent soil organisms from outcompeting corn crops for nitrogen. INSET: The 100-lb. Nitrogen Rule.

The article cites key survey findings from the U.S. in mid-December 2008 indicating that nearly all corn and soybean farmers held off plans to plant soybeans and had not finalized their planting intentions. This trend is attributed to the decision by farmers to eye the cost-price squeeze between crops and inputs amidst the harsh winter in 2008. Farmers also tried to reduce input costs due to the lack of assurance of a crop price hike.

The article focuses on the ripple effect caused by farmers who tend to increase corn acreage, citing the experiences and conduct of harvest programs by farmers across the U.S. Farmers are advised to consider how many days they need to harvest to allow for the usual weather delays. Timely harvesting has been cited to reduce in-field losses.

The article focuses on the implications of the shortage of forage for cattle producers and forage dealers across the U.S. Companies that sell and deliver hay have benefited from the hay shortage by driving prices to record levels across the country. The decline in hay production has been influenced by a late freeze in April, dry summer weather and the selling of hay by Illinois and Kentucky to Texas and Oklahoma among others.

The article discusses key issues concerning variable-rate nitrogen application, which is touted as the next major step to raise corn production efficiency in the U.S. in 2007. It includes information on the importance of variable-rate nitrogen amidst high fertilizer prices and environmental concerns. Also cited are the issues' implications for corn farms and agricultural technology.

Features the controlled traffic process used by Harlan Downing in his farm in Kansas. Key features; Incorporation of real-time kinematics with the process; Efficiency of the system. INSETS: Industry Watches the Innovators.;Fast Facts..

Focuses on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's drive to clear the air of diesel emissions and its potential impact on the agriculture industry. Reduction of nitrous oxide, non-methane hydrocarbons and particulates in the atmosphere; Engine modifications made by farm equipment manufacturers.

Presents the winners of the 2001 'I Built the Best' Contest for farm machineries in the United States. Innovations of Bruce Bishop; Layout of the farm office of Tom Burrer; Design of transport pen of John Walter for calves.

Presents news briefs on agriculturist in the United States and their innovations in farming. Capabilities of the grain handling system in Penny Ranch near Burlington, Colorado developed by Gene Penny; Equipment investment cut by the applicator developed by Kelly McNichols in Burr Oak, Kansas; Features of the replica of Case 690 four-wheel drive tractor.

Suggests various outdoor recreations in the United States. Anecdotes on hunting for rabbits and birds; Tips for pre-season conditioning of dogs for hunting; Guidelines for developing successful food plots for upland birds.

The article presents information on the efforts made in creating interest for physical education among young students in the U.S. The American Medical Association constantly points to the importance of the fitness of youth through its various publications and in its convention topics. The American Association for Health, Physical Education, and Recreation has taken an important leadership role in the improvement of the fitness of youth. Teacher training institutions have upgraded their programs to better prepare their graduates for conditions they will meet. Testing is now receiving more attention than formerly. The American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation's "Youth Fitness Test," is now universally employed, and the national norms are quite current and readily available for comparison. Results of tests should be made known to students and to their parents. Self-testing is encouraged in the better programs. Television is contributing to new attitudes among students. Through it they observe exceptional performances in national and international sports events such as gymnastics, soccer and Olympic competition. Other news media are also stimulating interest in this field.

The article offers suggestions to improve soil health in the U.S. It states that farmer can increase soil health by eliminating density changes and increasing usable water-holding capacity of the soil. It further states that farmers should check soil nutrients and pH of the soil so that they can get better crop yield and for improving soil nutrient they can also use fertilizers and manures. INSET: Fast Facts.

The article presents information on the problems created by the nitrogen fertilizers buried in the corn fields in the U.S. It informs that these fertilizers help the nutrients in the corn plants and only the best crop managers will be able to carry these valuable nutrients over to the next corn crop. It further informs that a basic understanding of nitrogen processes and the products is required for this. INSET: A Basic Understanding of Nitrogen.

The article discusses weed management which is very important for enhancing agricultural yield and profit after a drought year. It presents strategies for weed management including applying post harvest weed control treatment, using herbicides acceding to the variety of crop and cultivation of covering crops. It further states that reviewing the soil variety and half-life is very important for selecting the herbicides and also presents a list depicting half-life and potential of herbicides.

The article discusses methods to control corn nematodes in the U.S. It states that nematodes can reduce corn yields by up to 70 percent, however nematologist Greg Tylka believes that losses are confined in the areas where nematode feeding is combined with soil compaction or drought. Pest experts reportedly believe that effective nematode control requires methods that are suitable to the type of soil, crops, and nematode species.

The article discusses the need to understand the pest triangle in an attempt to address problems concerning pests and diseases affecting crops in several farms the U.S. It notes that the pest triangle consists of the pests, hosts, and the environment where a certain damaging level must be reached before an intervention or a treatment is employed to control the pests. It also mentions that understanding this triangle is essential for farmers to save a lot of money.

The article offers the author's insights on how to diagnose and control corn nematodes infestation. The author states that corn nematodes infestation is a growing problem in the U.S. He says that sending a soil and root samples to a diagnostic laboratory is one of the surest way to confirm the presence of corn nematodes. Furthermore, he mentions that the control strategy must be based on the treatment threshold of the types of nematodes present on the field.

The article focuses on the benefits of late-season nitrogen fertilizer applications for corn growers in the U.S. It notes that farmers who spoon-fed nitrogen by their center-pivot irrigation system with the application extending through pollination have improved their yields. The positive environmental implications of spoon-feeding are discussed. INSET: Adjust Nitrogen Principles to Your Environment.

The article focuses on the prevention of white molds, caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum fungus, which affected soybean fields in the U.S. in 2009. It states that white mold shows bleached areas on plant stems as its symptoms. Meanwhile, fungicide treatments on seeds are not effective, however rotation to nonhost crops on soy fields and thorough cleaning may help. It notes that implementing measures to avoid the spreading of the disease on other fields will be the best solution.

The article discusses the problems of dense soil and compaction that block water movement and root penetration in corn fields in the U.S. It includes an in-depth analysis of how the problems reduce the yield of corn fields, as well as a discussion on how a tile probe and digging with a backhoe or a shovel will reveal the problems caused by soil density layers and compaction.

The article features the advancements of Firestorm tools from Black & Decker in the U.S. The products are more capable of handling heavier tasks and having higher performance compared to the previous handicraft tools. Among the improved tools are the 9.5 amp reciprocating saw, 6-amp jig saw, 15-amp circular saw 15-amp, 10" compound miter saw and more.

Discusses the popularity of strip-till, a system that loosens and clears residue from a strip of soil prior to planting but leaves about the majority of the surface residue in place, in the United States. Ideal strip-still candidates; Benefits of the system to farmers; Advantages of the system; Advice to farmers considering strip-till.

Features the tracked planter and fertilizer rig built by 'I Built the Best' contest winner Bruce Bishop in Ohio. Design and specifications of the machinery; Materials used in building the machine; Speed capacity.

Focuses on the recognition of farmers that teach non-farmers about agriculture in the U.S. Award received by the vegetable and grain farmers Kathleen and Arnott Duncan; Farm tours by the dairy farmers Don and Linda Meyer; Dedication for teaching the importance of agriculture.

Features farming equipments which have been fabricated on farm shops in the U.S. Problem encountered by Tom Loftus, a farmer, upon spraying soybean herbicide; Machine developed by Wayne Niewold for hog raising; Description of the welding carts design by Paul and Mark Laden. INSET: Is an On-Farm Factory for You?.

Provides information on grain carts built by Illinois farmer Louis Vaessen and Kansas couple Mike and Tina Andra. Speed of the remote-controlled grain cart by Vaessen; Ground contact weight of Andra's flotation grain cart; Total investment of the couple in the cart.

Features farmer Francis Childs of Manchester, Iowa, winner of the National Corn Growers Association yield contest in 1999. His tillage and planting practices; Environmental precaution on building very high phosphorus levels in soil; Production of organic matter in his farm soil. INSET: Are you ready to set a record?.

Discusses the need for responsible use of nitrogen by farmers in the United States (U.S.). Details on the insurance policy launched by the Farm Bureau Financial Services in Iowa; Purpose of the requirement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to states to submit Total Maximum Daily Load plans; Management practices for nitrogen application. INSETS: N Prices Head Up;Get Paid to Protect Water;No Fall Nitrogen.

Analyzes the agriculture economy in the United States (US) for 1998. Estimated net farm income according to the US Department of Agriculture; Important tools in predicting the farm's future; Factors to consider in deciding for expansion.

Discusses turkey hunting as a leisurely sport for farmers in the United States. Turkey hunting experience; Turkey hunting as a form of relaxation; Hunting equipment; Tips.

The article offers information about basic management skills for enhancing the revenue of livestock industry in the U.S. It informs about the management of livestock farm manager Cora Liebaert and states that the main emphasis of Liebaert is on using the forage efficiently through rotational grazing. It further informs that when the Liebaerts' forage was analyzed, eight species of grasses were found which helps in increasing the livestock quality.

The article focuses on the agricultural system at Tom Farms in the U.S. It reveals that the system matches the discharge speed of the grain to the capacity of the unloading system, automatically reducing the heat if it reaches the unloading rate limit. In addition, the system features programmable logic controller (PLC) that automatically closes the center gate of grain bin when the loadout tanks are full.

The article offers advice on the use of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) mapping and balanced fertility in addressing the problem in soybean fields in the U.S. According to Farm Journal Field Agronomist Ken Ferrie, soybeans respond more to environment than to management, unlike corn. He adds that maintaining a balanced soil fertility profile from pH to micronutrients can help for top yield.

The article offers information on how to manage risk factors of soybean disease to prevent the occurrence of pathogens in the U.S. fields. Ohio State University plant pathologist Anne Dorrance urges farmers to select resistant or tolerant varieties to help maintain yields. The spread of sudden death syndrome in many soybean fields as well as the fungicide-resistant strains of Cercospora sojina, the agent of frogeye leaf spot, are discussed.

The article focuses on the Upstream Heroes campaign of the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC), an organization that supports environmentally sound and profitable farming practices in the U.S. It features farmers Jeff Martin and his son Doug as Upstream Heroes for their effort in efficiently managing fertilizer to protect water supplies. CTIC executive director Karen Scanlon, states the campaign aims to recognize farmers who are doing the right job of nutrient management.

The article reports that the advent of genetically hybrid corn in the U.S. may have helped other pests or yield robbers become more of a threat. Corn nematodes feed on corn roots from the outside, but some enter the roots and feed inside root tissue. The Western bean cutworm is mostly found in the western Corn Belt states and has reportedly caused about 40 percent of corn yield losses.

The article discusses key issues concerning metal inert gas (MIG) welding, which provides speed and versatility in fabrications and repairs in the U.S. It includes information on the different equipment requirements of MIG welding, as well as tips on how welders can master it. Also cited are the issues' implications for machining and fabrication in farms.

The article reports on the results of a University of Tennessee (UT) study of the initiative, called 25x'25 which calls for farmers and forest owners to produce 25 percent of U.S. energy. The initiative involves replacing gasoline and diesel oil with renewable fuels from the farm and forest. The study predicts some changes to grain and oilseed acreage under the initiative.

The article discusses factors to be considered by farmers when facing the dilemma of whether to build or not to build additional storage space for their crops in the U.S. Farmers should consider the situation of their farms and the price outlook. An increase in acres and need for quality control are some of the factors why farmers invest in additional storage.

The article focuses on the implementation of the Conservation Security Program (CSP) in 220 watersheds in the U.S. CSP pays landowners for stewardship practices are using and enhancement programs for new pracatices they agree to adopt. CSP enrollment is underway until March 30, 2006 in the 60 watersheds that have been designated for 2006.

The article reports on the developments of Rural Tower Network company in the U.S. The company offers customers a Real-Time Kinematics signals without the cost of a base station. Its communication towers hold the AutoFarm, Starfire, Trimble, and Global Solutions/Beeline Technologies company dealers' base station receivers. The company has also developed a wireless Internet system.

Discusses the danger associated with the use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic pipe for compressed air transport. Effect of lower temperatures on PVC pipe failures; Proper use of PVC pipe according to the United States Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration; States that have enacted regulations forbidding the use of unprotected PVC pipe for compressed air transport; Safety measures.

Reports on the construction of a machinery storage shop by brothers Tom and Phil Eastlund in the U.S. Feature of the shop area with steel-paneling liner and insulation package; Design of the building with Fibermesh polypropylene fibers to prevent cracking; Provision of compressed air lines and electrical conduits with outlet boxes, encircling the shop.

Reports on the finding by Pioneer Hi-Bred International Inc. and the Conservation Technology Information Center that the United States leads the world in the number of no-till acres. Factors for no-till adoption, such as climate and crops; Soil conservation in Australia; Prevention of erosion in Brazil and Argentina. INSET: Facts About Worldwide No-Till..

Explains that farmers who live in one of the watersheds in the United States may have an opportunity to enroll in the Conservation Security Program of the Natural Resources Conservation Service. First program to reward farmers for conservation practices they are already doing; Residue management; Fertilizer and pesticide best management practices.

Assesses the state of precision agriculture in the United States. Adoption rate of most precision farming technology; Review of precision farming studies from 1996 to 2002; Trend in yield mapping, soil mapping and grid soil sampling; Variable-rate fertilizer application; Variable rate seeding.

Features the family shop for farmers in Jesup, Iowa. Function of tracks built into the rim of the service pit; Construction of the pit; Description of the outside wall.