Clark County, Ohio - Agronomic Crops Scouting Report

September 3 - September 7, 2007

Weather - Clark County has not received rain in over 2 weeks now. Crops are beginning to dry down and change color as a result of no rain and an accumulation of growing degree days that is nearing crop maturity across the county.

Corn - State Route 72 is the North-South dividing road in Clark County, and also the line that defines where the west part received more rain than the east part of the county. The west side has greener corn that the east (which was exceptionally dry all summer). Corn is drying down faster in the east; stalk lodging above the ear has been noted in several fields. Growth stages range in the R5-Dent to ½ milk line. This was the last week for Western Corn Rootworm trapping; all locations had very, very low levels of beetles captured.

Soybeans - Many varieties are rapidly changing leaf color across the county and beginning to dry down. Growth stages range from R6-R7 (full seed to changing pod mature color) for full season soybeans. The few producers that planted double crop soybeans will probably have a better crop from those beans versus the full season beans. Bean Leaf Beetle (BLB) damage is still noted in the same fields as last week, but could be possibly slowing down. Many producers do not want to invest in insecticide treatments this far in the season. Soybean aphids have nearly disappeared for the season, especially in fields that have very yellow leaves.

Forages - Producers are taking their 3^rd and 4^th cuttings in some parts of the county. Rains from 2 weeks ago aided drought stricken hay fields into producing some decent stands in the county. Forages will still be in shortage this year, especially once we hit the winter feeding season. Check out www.hayexchange.com for selling and buying hay.

Other - Many producers are gearing up for harvest with harvesting equipment maintenance and combine calibrations. Many are eager to see how crops in Clark County will yield this season with the several hardships producers have faced over the 2007 growing season.