Kathryn Roberts's Page

Hail damage recovery dependent on growth stage

Parts of northwest Iowa experienced hail damage June 11. Damage varied depending upon the location of the field, but there are many fields that were damaged severely, with corn plants being entirely stripped of leaves and some soybean fields being a total loss. For those folks dealing with hail damage, the first step should be to communicate with a crop insurance agent, said Gentry Sorenson, Iowa State University Extension field agronomist based in Northwest Iowa. Waiting 7-10 days after a hail event helps give the crops a chance to recover and makes it easier to assess the damage. However, depending upon the severity of the injury assessment, it may be possible sooner, Sorenson said in a news release. Most corn was around the V5 to V7 growth stage. Corn’s growing point is below ground until the V6 growth stage. Depending upon the stage of the corn, the growing point may have been below ground or right at ground level. When evaluating the hail damage, consider the amount of defoli

Evaluate fields for emerging soybean gall midge

Soybean gall midge adults have been detected in east-central Nebraska, marking the beginning of the 2025 emergence period and signaling risk for soybean fields. Soybean growth stage is a critical factor in susceptibility of soybean to the midge. Emerging in the spring from last year’s soybean fields, soybean gall midge adults lay eggs in fissures of new soybean plant stems. Growers with a history of soybean gall midge pressure may consider applying a foliar insecticide. A checklist can help growers decide whether insecticide will benefit their field: =Soybean gall midge adults have emerged in my area. =My soybean field is at the V2 stage or greater. =I observed soybean gall midge injury in the adjacent field last year. First identified in 2019, soybean gall midge has continued to cause significant injury to soybean in seven Midwest states as management of this pest has proven difficult. Foliar sprays have shown some response but are inconsistent between locations and years. No

Supporting economic growth in rural communities

Indigenous and small communities play a vital role in the province’s economy. Working together with non-profits, they tap into opportunities and address unique challenges to help rural Alberta grow its economic footprint. To support local projects that promote innovation and sustainable economic growth across the province, Alberta’s government is providing the second round of grants through the Small Community Opportunity Program. The program has awarded grants between $20,000 and $90,000 for 41 community-led projects that build capacity in agriculture, small-business supports and local economic development. “Indigenous and small communities are vital to Alberta and its long-term economic prosperity. For the second year, the Small Community Opportunity Program is financially backing Indigenous and small communities. These grants help to build capacity in small businesses and the agriculture industry. When rural communities succeed, all of Alberta thrives.” RJ Sigurdson, Minister of

FCC AgriSpirit Fund open for applications

 Farm Credit Canada is now accepting applications from registered charities, non-profit organizations who partner with a municipal body, territorial or provincial government, and non-profit organizations who partner with First Nations, Inuit or Métis governments/communities in rural Canada, for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund.

John Deere Sets a New Standard with the Launch of H Series Forestry Machines

John Deere launches its large-size H Series wheeled machines, designed to elevate productivity and operational efficiency.