1. Field Observations

Corn and soybeans are enjoying the increase in rainfall, but our thoughts are with our neighbors who've experienced flooding. If you did not receive (or would like to receive) the resources I shared this Tuesday regarding flooded forages, please let me know and I will send them to you.

According to the 7-day stream flow map, the hardest-hit areas were in eastern and southeastern upstate NY, but our region has also seen extreme precipitation levels this week. These images are courtesy of Jessica Spaccio, Climatologist at the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell:

2. Growing Degree Days (See: Climate Smart Farming Growing Degree Day Calculator)

Growing degree days (GDD) are calculated by taking the average daily temperature and subtracting the base temperature for development of a given organism ((High + Low)/2 - base temp = GDD). For corn silage, we are using base 50/86, as corn development starts at 50 degrees F and ceases above 86. Check your location and planting date:

3. Pest and disease monitoring

Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) and Fall Armyworm (FAW) in corn
WBC is hot out of the gate across our region. I scouted the Chenango Co. field with the highest number for WBC egg masses (they prefer to lay eggs on the top surface of the uppermost leaves), but found none. Something to keep an eye on….

Potato leafhopper (PLH) in alfalfa - Fields swept by Ashley Bound and Emily Anderson, CCE Chenango, who will be working with local FFA chapters across our region to sweep alfalfa fields this year (funding provided by the Chobani Community Impact Fund).

*No action needed if crop is within 1 week of cutting. If not, use a short-residual insecticide.