With soil moisture conditions extremely low, especially at subsurface levels, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) agronomist Jason Miller of Pierre suggested that producers in South Dakota eliminate any unnecessary tillage whatsoever.

Because of widespread drought conditions experienced over the past year, many growers are concerned about the potential for carryover injury from herbicides applied in 2012 to the crops they will plant in 2013.

Wanting to increase yields and looking to other farmers such as Kip Cullers for information, some of our on-farm research producers decided to test whether applying sugar to their crops would be beneficial.

Last fall, with funding provided through the Illinois Council for Best Management Practices (C-BMP), GROWMARK, C-BMP, and the University of Illinois initiated the N-Watch soil sampling program to see how much inorganic N remained in the soil following the drought of 2012.

Corn growers need to scout their fields to determine wireworm populations before planting so they don't miss the optimum treatment window, a Purdue Extension entomologist says. Wireworms, or click beetle larvae, feed on corn seed germ and may prevent plants from sprouting. The pest becomes active when soil temperatures warm into the upper 40s.

Don't get too eager to kill those cover crops this spring until they are actively growing and hopefully have contributed some benefit to soil quality and the subsequent cash crop.

When it comes to no-till planting, the key is to minimize the soil and residue disturbance.

There is no better time than early spring to take a closer look at your sprayer, says Ohio State University.

Fierce Herbicide, the newest residual from Valent U.S.A. Corporation, has received US EPA registration in soybeans.

DuPont and its Pioneer Hi-Bred agricultural seed unit said a hybrid wheat technology project has been added to its roster of crop research programs that are advancing into deeper development. DuPont currently is largely focused on genetic improvements to corn and soybeans, as well as enhanced canola and rice.