Soybean Nodulation
Soybean is nodulated by three distinct types of rhizobia bacteria; Rhizobium fredii, Bradyrhizobium japonicum, and Bradyrhizobium elkanii. These soil dwelling bacteria have the unique ability to penetrate and fix nitrogen in association or symbiosis with the soybean roots.

Soybean Aphid Finds Begin to Start Some Early Heartburn
Well, lots of concern being expressed about some of the early finds of soybean aphid through the region. Though these early infestations should grab our attention, it is more for alerting and preparing us for future concerns rather than beginning management programs.

Potato Leafhoppers (PLH) in Area Crops
Some alfalfa producers have noticed what appears to be a yellowing, or bleached appearance in their second crop alfalfa, along with less than acceptable re-growth after the first cutting?

Alfalfa Weevil May Still be a Concern
While scouting some fields in the Mahnomen area, fields with greater than acceptable populations of weevil larvae were found, even though the first cutting had been completed weeks ago. Since these finds, other people in the region are also beginning to report activity. Checking alfalfa fields for weevil larvae would be advised at this time, though the problems may be limited geographically.

Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Now is the time to think about proper recycling methods of your empty pesticide containers. All pint, quart, 1 gallon and 2 ½ gallon containers that previously contained crop protection chemicals are accepted, as long as they have been triple rinsed, and lids, plastic sleeve labels, and any auxiliary paper label booklets have been removed.

Farmland Prices in 2005 Show Jumps
in East Central, Northwestern Minnesota
For the past 15 years, University of Minnesota economist Steve Taff has tracked the average sales prices of farmland, summarizing real estate transactions by multi-county region and at the state-wide level.