About 95 percent of the state's corn crop was planted, above the 92 percent at the same time last year and the five-year average of 85 percent. Cold weather this spring is expected to reduce yields for alfalfa across the state while the winter wheat crop is in good to excellent condition. While high milk prices above $17 per hundredweight will also help farmers, higher prices for fuel -- diesel is pushing $3 per gallon -- and feed will continue to cut into profits. It's not as heavy as a...

Fifty-six percent of the soybean acreage has emerged compared with 28 percent last year and 37 percent for the 5-year average. Ninety-nine percent of the intended corn acreage has been planted compared with 87 percent last year and 81 percent for the 5-year average. Eighty-seven percent of the corn acreage has emerged compared with 69 percent last year and 65 percent for the 5-year average. Ninety-nine percent of the intended corn acreage has been planted compared with 87 percent last year...

The American Phytopathological Society, in cooperation with related organizations, will present the 2007 National Soybean Rust Symposium, Dec. Leaders in state and federal government, grower organizations, international institutions, research, extension, crop consulting, agribusiness, and others will collectively hear results, determine progress, and share perspectives on soybean rust in the 2007 growing season. Leaders in state and federal government, grower organizations, international...

Soybean yields ranging from 20 to 30 bushels per acre were common four years ago when aphids attacked plants, sucking nutrients that curtailed development and yields. Crop experts say soybean aphids are poised to make a big comeback in Iowa later this summer. Four years ago the pests, along with dry weather, cut yields in half --- especially in fields not treated or sprayed a timely fashion --- throughout most of the state. The report said crops weakened by cold temperatures in April are...

The 15-inch rows allow more sunlight to penetrate the canopy, which may prove beneficial if soybean rust becomes a problem this crop year. Traders have lost enthusiasm to buy corn primarily due to the fast pace that producers managed to regain momentum and get the corn in the ground. Conventional tillage was done on many acres, while 15-inch split row planters no-tilled beans into last year s cornstalks. The May 10 export inspection report indicated that 37,581 million bushels were checked...