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Ag- Above average rainfall returns
Above average rainfall returned to the state last week, with the vast majority of it coming in one rainfall which was heavier in the central part of the state. This led to a temporary slowdown of the early harvests, but producers were able to get back into the fields relatively quickly. Soybeans again benefited from the rainfall in areas where moisture levels are not excessive. There were 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork last week across the state. The corn crop advanced to 57% mature compared to the five-year average of 24%. An estimated 7% of the corn crop has been harvested, with conditions being rated as 60% good to excellent. Soybeans turning yellow reached 49% compared to 31% for the five-year average. Topsoil moisture was rated at 11% very short, 22% short, 63% adequate, and 4% surplus. Temperatures statewide averaged 71.4 degrees, .2 degrees below the state average. Farmers were either busy harvesting or preparing machinery for harvest as well as bailing some hay and cutting silage.
'Farming to Feed the World' at the Farm Progress Show
Bayer CropScience is asking farmers who attend the 2010 Farm Progress Show to join an effort called "I Farm to Feed the World." Mark Wrucke is a regional manager for development and market support with the company, and he explains how Bayer CropScience hopes to make a $15,000 contribution to food banks in four states, including Illinois.
Crop insurance changes coming
The Department of Agriculture has updated its crop insurance product list. Todd Gleason has the details.
4-H SPIN club will focus on GPS technology
If you are lost, Global Positioning System (GPS) technology can provide the answer to the question, "Where in the world am I?? With basic GPS applications, users can determine location as well as study navigation, tracking, mapping, and timing. A new GPS 4-H SPIN club will offer youth aged 10 to 18 the opportunity to use GPS units and map software, find hidden ?treasures,? and explore geocaching.
Steve Sewell will lead this 4-H special interest club through University of Illinois Extension ? McLean County. He has taught GPS workshops for McLean County Parks and for Bloomington Parks and Recreation, and was also a guest instructor at a recent 4-H Technology Academy. Sewell is involved in variety of activities and serves as the president of a local outdoor club.
An informational meeting will kick off the new club Thursday, September 30, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the UNITY Community Center, 632 Orlando Ave. in Normal. This meeting will also include some GPS and computer time.
The club will meet once a month on a weeknight through April. Several special Saturday field activities are also planned for club members, as well as public GPS events at the Normal Public Library and at Comlara Park/Evergreen Lake.
For more information and to enroll, contact the McLean County Extension office at (309) 663-8306, or e-mail smcghee@illinois.edu.
Pumpkin growers face mildew problem
Downy Mildew is threatening the late planted pumpkin crop in Illinois. Illinois produces about 95 percent of the U.S. supply of processing pumpkins. While the disease isn't likely to have an enormous impact on the nation's supply of pumpkin pie filling, it is big problem for growers. Todd Gleason reports.
Other Headlines:
- Crops another week closer to harvest
- Dairy Building has new look at Illinois State Fair
- Illinois Ag in the Classroom gets funding for expanded programs
- Despite record crops no price dive at all
- Jake Mohr wins Master Showmanship Contest at Illinois State Fair
- Why wheat prices are acting wacky
- Wheat price spikes concern American bakers
- Farmers should scout for southern corn rust
- Many honored at 4-H Showcase
- Farmers want Congress to deal with estate tax
- Beef boards will not separate
- Local 4Her receives key award
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