In recent years, sulfur (S) deficiency in wheat has become common in many areas, particularly in no-till wheat. Classic S deficiency symptoms, confirmed by soil and plant analysis, have been observed in many no-till wheat fields during periods of rapid growth in the spring.

The majority of the 2014 wheat crop was very good, but ergot was a widespread problem. Many of the ergot-infested fields seemed to be those that matured later than most, such as some of the spring wheat, later-planted and later-maturing winter wheat varieties, and fields with thin stands. In at least one field of winter wheat, many of the heads containing ergot bodies were late tillers.

Looking at current field research and the literature available on the topic of minimizing losses of phosphorus at the edge of the field, the following recommendations are a starting point to maximizing productivity while minimizing environmental impacts on water quality.

Certainly this is the time to be checking your soybeans for the presence of stink bugs. We have not noticed economically important problems in the soybeans we've sampled, but stink bugs are certainly common and our light traps have been capturing very large numbers compared to previous years.

Net farm income is forecast at $113.2 billion in 2014, down about 14% from the 2013 forecast of $131.3 billion. If realized, the 2014 forecast would be the fourth-highest value since 1970 after adjusting for inflation.

Some producers may be thinking of harvesting soybeans for forage rather than a grain crop.

Boron deficiency is one of the most widespread causes of reduced crop yield. Missouri and the eastern half of the United States are plagued by boron-deficient soil and, often, corn and soybean farmers are required to supplement their soil with boron. However, little is known about the ways in which corn plants utilize the essential nutrient.

Aerial seeding cover crop questions have been numerous this month. Indeed, the wet month of August does greatly increase the probability that aerial seeding will be successful as we enter September.

There are a good number of soybean plants with classic potassium (K) deficiency symptoms showing in the upper leaves.

How well did your nitrogen (N) program work in this "unusual"? year? Generally we have had higher rainfall than normal (but not everywhere) and we have been cooler than normal, all of which can have several consequences.