Crops
By Dr. Paul Tracy

Agronomy 2007 – the year in review

Commodity prices, land tenure and input costs dominated economic discussions this year. Transportation, energy, input supply/demand and biofuels were also key topics. My experience is that sound agronomic management almost always translates into sound economic responses, regardless of external pressures.
An example would be the disturbing trend toward apathetic soil pH management. The Missouri Agricultural Liming Materials Report estimates 2007 will be the lowest year of reported aglime use since 1993 (remember the flood) and the second lowest since 1976.
Higher costs are contributing to liming decline. Short-term leases that discourage long-term soil management are also playing a role. Landowners and tenants need to find ways of dealing with this issue.
Liming is extremely important to overall crop health. Low soil pH causes poor root growth and inefficient nutrient uptake. With the value of crop nutrients remaining high, we need to do everything possible to ensure their efficient use. Lost yield associated with something as easy to manage as soil pH is inexcusable.
For similar reasons, we have noticed trends toward reducing phosphorus and potassium rates. Unless soils are high to very high in these nutrients, this is a non-sustainable approach to nutrient management.
Soybean rust and soybean aphids made their strongest push into our region yet. We observed soybean aphids at many locations in July. Fortunately, beneficial insects and/or hot weather throughout August kept aphid populations from reaching epidemic levels.
Soybean rust moved further north and west than ever before. It arrived very late and did not affect yield. Once again, our alert system worked extremely well. If or when soybean rust presents a major potential problem in our region, I have no doubt we’ll be able to deal with it in a timely and professional manner.
Foliar fungicides on corn were a hot topic. I’ve heard testimonials of greater than 50-bushel yield responses with averages between 10 and 20. There were also reports of no response, crop injury and lost yields associated with corn fungicides, mostly tied to applications before tasseling. If you use corn fungicides, please follow labels and carefully plan how you intend to administer late-season applications. Because of resistance concerns, I am still uneasy about applying blanket applications of fungicides when diseases are not present.
Herbicide resistance reared its ugly head again this year. We have already confirmed glyphosate-resistant marestail (horseweed), common ragweed, giant ragweed, waterhemp and palmer amaranth, with resistance suspected in several other weed species. Please consider non-glyphosate alternatives, including early season residual herbicides and non-glyphosate-resistant crops somewhere within your crop rotation.
Genetics were once again a hot topic. Multiple “stacked” traits are in vogue. This is wonderful technology that should be used wisely. Remember that resistance pressure is ever-present. Please respect refuge strategies and use traits based upon verified local needs.
New genetic traits need to be protected socially as well as agronomically. The Roundup Ready alfalfa fiasco, where a wonderful technology was temporarily lost as a result of legal action in California, was just one in a long line of “checks and balances” that we’ve learned to live with.
Agronomy services continued to grow during 2007. The launch of MFA’s RTK network was a great success. If you haven’t explored the potential of this system you need to. MFA also launched its Nutri-Track program designed to bring soils up to optimum fertility followed by maintaining that fertility using measured, site-specific yield information.
The 2007 season marked the first full year of MFA’s Partners in Conservation program. We have partnered with landowners and the NRCS to help provide valuable conservation services. This effort isn’t restricted to those who participate in governmental programs.
Ethanol and biofuels dominated the meeting circuit this year. Everyone seems to be an overnight expert. The bottom line is to use sound judgment, plan accordingly and realize the system has balance. For example, what happened to soybean prices following the massive ethanol-induced corn planting frenzy? Ethanol has put tremendous pressure on our agronomic resources. It has also helped stimulate overdue decent commodity prices. With cellulosic ethanol on the horizon, stay tuned for more fun.
Once again, this year had many peaks and valleys. Hay shortages, an Easter freeze, early summer floods and an August drought all put exceptional pressure on our resources. Our accumulative response reinforced the relationship between crop producers, their information providers and the agricultural industry.
Every year, I am amazed at our ability to produce food, fiber, feed and fuel. Hopefully, 2007 treated you well with better things to come in 2008. MFA’s agronomy staff wishes you the best, and please have a very happy holiday season.

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