Dry Weather Decreases Risk for Wheat Midge in 2021
Janet Knodel, Guest Writer
Soil samples in North Dakota indicate lower levels of overwintering wheat midge larvae (cocoons) for the 2021 season, says Janet Knodel, North Dakota State University Extension entomologist.
A total of 2,050 soil samples were collected from 22 counties in the fall of 2020 to estimate the statewide risk for wheat midge in the 2021 field season. The distribution of wheat midge is based on unparasitized cocoons found in the soil samples.
“The majority of the soil samples, 86%, had zero wheat midge cocoons in the soil,” Knodel says. “This is the record low since the wheat midge larval survey for overwintering cocoons started back in 1995. In 2018, we had another year with 84% of the soil samples with no cocoons.”
Kevin Schulz
WHAT’S THE COST? Farmers need to know their productions costs, and not only for their entire farm, but also for each parcel of land, to get a good picture of the true value in their operation. Keep in mind the 20-80 rule when managing farm expenses.
Every growing season presents its own set of unknowns, such as weather and markets, and then sprinkle in the unexpected influences, like COVID-19, and it adds up to turmoil for farmers. Still, Jack Davis, South Dakota State University Extension crops business management field specialist, says farmers can prepare themselves for what lies ahead by taking control of their management situation.
Soybean producers and crop advisers will have an opportunity to learn about soybean production management issues during the 2021 Getting it Right in Soybean Production online conference that North Dakota State University Extension, with support from the North Dakota Soybean Council, is holding from 8:30 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 17.
“Crop production depends on many decisions, and new research-based production information is generated annually,” says Hans Kandel, Extension agronomist for broadleaf crops. “Therefore, it is important for producers to gain as much practical knowledge as possible. This soybean educational event will provide tips and suggestions that can help producers with soybean production decisions for the 2021 growing season.”
Food Entrepreneurship Webinar Series Set For February times-online.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from times-online.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Farm, Garden & Outdoors calendar published Jan. 23, 2021
Events and classes scheduled in the outdoors, gardening and farming. Submit your event at news@wctrib.com by noon on Tuesday. Written By: Donna Middleton | ×
Outdoors
Eagle Lake fishing derby: Jan. 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Eagle Lake, north of Willmar. Entry is $10 for adults, $5 for kids under 16. Check in at the public access or at Sunray Cafe. Fish anywhere on the lake, can use shelters and houses, moving around the lake is permitted. All fish must be checked in by 3 p.m. The fundraiser for cancer is in memory of Ron Shimek. Bad weather date is Feb. 13.