Jay Chism in recent weeks has walked through a lot of soybeans looking for any signs of Asian Soybean Rust.
The extension agronomist at Lamar is happy no sign has been found in area fields or detected from leaves he sends to a plant pathology laboratory in Columbia. He collects leaves from specific plots as part of the early rust detection effort. The rust can sharply lower soybean yields.
Concerns from growers mounted in the aftermath of hurricanes that can carry rust spores from the south to this area. It can be stopped with a timely fungicide treatment.
Most vulnerable to rust this late would be late maturing soybeans.
Details about the rust can be found at sbr.impmpipe.org/cgi_bin/sbr/public.cgi.
Other questions answered at county extension centers:
Q: Why do a lot of my calves get pink eye every year?
A: A lot of different organisms can cause the problem and attack calves that have less immunity than older animals.
Q: What red clover variety should I seed into a fescue pasture?
A: Kenland is one possibility. The key is to get clover planted now to help lower nitrogen fertilizer costs in 2009.
Q: Should I spread fertilizer on my pastures?
A: Yes, if you need the extra grass this fall and winter. Watch the costs.
Q: What is the best way to control weeds in my lawn?
A: Short term means pulling or herbicides. A longer solution is a lawn with thick grass.
Q: What is the normal crude protein and energy level for fescue hay cut in the boot stage?
A: Protein, 13-15 percent, and energy, 58 percent.
Q: How can I get heifers to eat less mineral supplements?
A: Provide them with more salt.
Q: Will county extension agents or specialists make farm visits and offer suggestions?
A: Yes.
Q: Have you seen any nitrate problems in forage tests done this summer and fall?
A: No.
• Barton (417) 682-3579
• Cherokee (620) 429-3849
• Crawford (620) 724-8233
• Jasper (417) 358-2158
• Lawrence (417) 466-3102
• McDonald (417) 223-4775
• Newton (417) 455-9500
• Ottawa (918) 542-1688
•Vernon (417) 448-2560
Address correspondence to Mike Surbrugg, c/o The Joplin Globe, P.O. Box 7, Joplin, Mo. 64802 or e-mail msurbrugg@joplinglobe.com.
