Rainfall Continues to Affect Region
Rainfall in northwest MN and eastern ND continues to be the big newsmaker. In the southern end of the Red River Valley, standing water in fields continues to plague many locations as natural runoff is hampered due to many drains and river channels already above flood stage.

Fungicide Timing For Scab Control
Research has shown that fungicides can be effective in reducing Fusarium Head Blight (Scab) severity and vomitoxin (DON) in small grains when conditions are favorable for scab development and if applied in a timely manner. Winter wheat has reached or is fast approaching the optimum stage for applying fungicide for scab control.

Small Grain Disease Outlook:
Commentary from June 18, 2007
Steady rain is causing field flooding in many locations in the Red River Valley. Yield potential may decline with extended periods of soil saturation. If the wheat yield potential is worth protecting from Fusarium head blight, now is the time to consider your options.

Sclerotinia of Canola Risk Forecast
for Minnesota and North Dakota - June 18, 2007
An analysis of weather data and the top zone (0 to 4 inch) soil moisture for the canola producing areas of North Dakota and Minnesota for the 10 day period ending June 17th 2007, indicates that there is a projected moderate risk of sclerotinia over much of Minnesota and North Dakota, as indicated in the risk map.

Whoa! Major Armyworm Flight Detected
with Blacklight Trap Captures
Very high light trap captures have occurred over the past few days at Lamberton and in NW MN. Migrating moths have moved northward along the front  that has been parked along the Minnesota, North and South Dakota borders last week.

Soybean aphid - Still Quiet in the NW
The third week in June is normally when we can begin some expeditionary scouting for soybean aphid. Check a few of the fields that are normally infested early if you haven't already done so. Check field edges near buckthorn. If aphids are found, they are likely to be in the expanding leaf at the growing point of the plant.

Getting to the Root of the Matter
When we talk about crops and crop production, our discussions seem to gravitate towards the plant parts that we can see – the part that is above ground. However, at least half--and often much more--of every crop plant is invisible. This portion consists entirely or largely of roots which extend far into the soil profile.

Does organic matter really matter ?
Ask any farmer which field he would choose if two are similar, except one had a higher soil organic matter content. Chances are he would choose the one with the higher organic matter.