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Posts From Erick Larson, State Extension Specialist - Grain Crops

2013 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids Updated

🕔15:18, 25.Oct 2012

This effort lists those corn hybrids which have demonstrated superior grain yield performance in the MSU Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. Approximately 80 corn hybrids representing the vast majority of seed companies in the Mid-south participate in the MSU hybrid trials. This information should help you better assess relative corn hybrid productivity and profitability in future seasons for either irrigated or dryland culture.

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2012 MSU Short List of Suggested Wheat Varieties Updated

🕔11:08, 25.Aug 2012

This article lists those wheat varieties which have demonstrated superior productivity in the MSU Wheat and Oat Variety Trials and summarizes their characteristics. This impartial information should help you better assess how many variety traits potentially work to affect wheat performance on your farm next season.

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Insect Management in Late Planted Grain Sorghum Updated

🕔11:39, 18.Aug 2012

Mississippi producers planted 65K acres of grain sorghum this year, up from 52K acres in 2011, and 12K acres in 2010. Grain sorghum traditionally in MS has been considered a “step child” crop that went on the worst dry land

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Yield Reduction from late-season Corn Defoliation?

Yield Reduction from late-season Corn Defoliation? Updated

🕔16:12, 27.Jul 2012

There is some late-planted Mississippi corn which has not reached physiological maturity. This corn may have its yield reduced somewhat by severe problems or stress. Included is a chart which may help assess potential corn yield reduction or risk.

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When is the Best Time to Start Corn Harvest?

When is the Best Time to Start Corn Harvest? Updated

🕔21:26, 21.Jul 2012

Corn harvest will be upon us much sooner than normal and expectations are generally much higher than recent years. However, we still need to get this corn crop out of the field and safely deliver it to market. Methods to successfully harvest your corn crop may vary depending on several factors.

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Late Season Corn Irrigation and Termination Updated

🕔17:35, 22.Jun 2012

This season’s corn crop, particularly that planted in early March, is extraordinarily early. However, it will still need additional irrigation or rainfall to finish the crop out. This article discusses crop progress and methods to schedule and terminate irrigation water for corn.

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Appropriate Timing for Optimizing Corn Yield Response Updated

🕔22:54, 19.Jun 2012

Interest in mid-season application of various inputs has certainly increased as we try to improve corn productivity through better management. This article discusses how corn physiology plays a primary role in determining corn yield response and appropriate management timing.

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Corn Hail Damage and other Storm Issues Updated

🕔17:01, 27.May 2012

Corn fields in several areas of the state unfortunately took a beating from hail and wind associated with storms May 20-22. Several different types of damage may have occurred depending upon the type of storm, including hail damage, lodging and greensnap. This article will describe how much damage may have occurred.

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When should I start Irrigating Corn? Updated

🕔20:59, 4.May 2012

Dry early season conditions have prompted much conversation about the proper time to initiate irrigation for corn. This scenario usually generates a lot more anxiety than necessary because early season wilting is certainly not something we are very accustomed to.

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How to Plant Corn for Higher Yields Updated

🕔14:35, 19.Mar 2012

Corn is quite unique because much of its potential productivity is determined during the planting process. Thus, corn is often much more responsive or dependent on variables implemented during planting than other Southern crops. This article gives planting guidelines for enhancing corn productivity.

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Exemption granted for Corn Seed Bird Repellent Updated

🕔22:36, 13.Mar 2012

We are pleased to announce the EPA has granted the Mississippi Department of Agriculture a Section 18 emergency exemption allowing the use of anthraquinone, which is an unregistered product marketed as Avipel on field or sweet corn seed for the purpose of repelling blackbirds and cowbirds in newly planted corn fields in the state of Mississippi.

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Grain Sorghum Hybrid Recommendations Updated

🕔17:34, 21.Feb 2012

There is considerably more interest in growing grain sorghum this year. This article gives some suggestions and resources for evaluating hybrids which could be suited for dryland grain sorghum production in Mississippi.

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Spring 2012 Nitrogen Fertilizer Suggestions for Wheat Updated

🕔18:20, 9.Feb 2012

Warm winter weather has promoted wheat to begin growing much earlier than normal this spring. This can make decisions regarding nitrogen application timing quite challenging and different from field to field. This newsletter will give several pointers to help make good decisions.

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2011 MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program Results Updated

🕔15:17, 20.Dec 2011

The MSU Corn Hybrid Demonstration Program evaluates superior corn hybrids from numerous seed companies who participate the the MSU Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. MSU Extension Service Agents coordinate locations with grower cooperators in their region, and supervise plots during the season. Our objective is to provide you more opportunity to evaluate premier corn hybrids and substantially supplement the information gathered in the university hybrid trials.

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Invitation for Participation – Corn Verification Program Updated

🕔14:59, 8.Nov 2011

Have you been disappointed in your corn yields, don’t have a lot of experience growing corn, or just interested in some assistance with your program? The MSU Extension Service Corn Verification Program is an interactive, hands-on opportunity to improve your profitability and we are looking for willing cooperators for the 2012 growing season.

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2012 MSU Short List of Suggested Corn Hybrids Updated

🕔17:40, 7.Nov 2011

This effort lists those corn hybrids which have demonstrated superior grain yield performance in the MSU Corn for Grain Hybrid Trials. This information is intended to evaluate corn hybrid genetics in either irrigated or dryland culture, which may help you better assess relative hybrid productivity and profitability in future seasons.

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How to Plant Wheat for Higher Yields Updated

🕔15:59, 3.Oct 2011

Wheat can be established using various methods, but several management practices can certainly enhance your potential for growing a productive crop this season. Those practices include timely planting, appropriate seeding rates and methods, suitable seedbed preparation and fall weed control.

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Post-Harvest Crop Residue Management Updated

🕔17:34, 26.Sep 2011

After harvest, you face management decisions as you begin preparing fields for next year’s crop. Corn produces far more residue than most crops we are accustomed to, so it can cause considerable benefits or anxiety depending upon how you view it. This article attempts to address the pro’s and con’s of crop residue.

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2011 MSU Short List of Suggested Wheat Varieties Updated

🕔18:24, 14.Sep 2011

This effort lists those wheat varieties which have demonstrated superior productivity in the MSU Wheat and Oat Variety Trials and summarizes their characteristics. This information is intended to evaluate variety genetics and traits which may help you better assess relative wheat productivity and profitability in future seasons.

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Corn Verification Crop Progress Update Updated

🕔15:00, 22.Jul 2011

Irrigated Corn Verification Fields are nearly mature, but did require a final irrigation this week to provide ample moisture to sustain the crop to physiological maturity. Some slight root lodging also recently occurred, but otherwise harvest progress should commence soon. Late-planted dryland fields still have a long way to go and are under drought stress.

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2011 MSU Wheat Variety Yield Data Updated

🕔10:48, 1.Jul 2011

Preliminary yield data from the 2011 MSU Wheat Variety Trials are now available.

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Late Season Corn Irrigation and Termination Updated

🕔00:35, 1.Jul 2011

Much of our late March planted irrigated corn is now reaching dent stage and will continue to fill kernels for another 20 days, if we help it do so. Therefore, you do not want to forgo any practices which may mitigate stress or pest issues yet. This article highlights irrigation needs and termination during the final growth stages.

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Drought Stress and its affect on Corn Pollination and Early Grain Fill Updated

🕔18:04, 23.Jun 2011

Despite Mississippi generally receiving abundant yearly rainfall, we often experience substantial drought stress growing corn. The timing of rainfall and the ability of our soils to store moisture are critical to corn productivity. This article explains how drought stress and irrigation management may influence corn productivity during the early grain filling stages.

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After the Flood: Row Crop Replanting Updated

🕔01:49, 10.Jun 2011

MSU Extension Service and MAFES researchers have compiled the following suggestions and information regarding replanting and managing row crops after the flood. Also included is post-flood crop insurance information.

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When is Wheat No Longer Vulnerable to Herbicide Injury Updated

🕔11:11, 13.May 2011

Many folks have inquired about specific information regarding wheat vulnerability to herbicides. This article specifically describes and contains photos to help identify the critical hard dough stage, when wheat is generally no longer vulnerable.

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