Harvest is a critical moment for your farm business because it pays the bills, but it is also a learning opportunity that can help you gather performance data and conduct insect reconnaissance to help you farm better next spring.
The Take Action program, supported by NCGA, is one way to mentally prepare for how you will deal with problematic insects like corn rootworm, and you can learn more here.
“There’s a lot to be learned as combines roll. Hybrid performance is obviously top of mind,” said Nicole Hasheider, Biotechnology and Crops Input Director. “When evaluating yields from your fields or sections of your fields, consider any insect pressure you noticed during the season. Was it more or less than normal? Is that impacting your yields? If the answer is yes, it should change your approach for next year.”
Harvest is where planning for 2021 planting really begins, Hasheider contends. She recommends approaching fall in a purposeful way, especially when it comes to picking seed and wrestling with problematic insects like corn rootworm.
“During seed selection, pay attention to the traits used in your fields last year,” Hasheider said. “Seed selection is a critical component of Bt stewardship and is key to effective control of pests as well as protecting future access to the technology. If you’re in a corn-on-corn situation, at a minimum you need to rotate Bt traits. If you experienced serious insect problems, consider rotating to a different crop in that field next year.”
Planting the required refuge, rotating crops, and rotating traits are critical steps in controlling corn rootworm both short and long term.
Sustainability
U.S. Corn farmers are committed to continuous improvement in the production of corn, a versatile crop providing abundant high-quality food, feed, renewable energy, biobased products, and ecosystem services.
Ethanol
Corn ethanol is critical for a sustainable, clean energy future.
A Commitment to the Future
