Category: Crops

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: October 2025

Crop reports are for conditions up to October 1, 2025.

Western Maryland

September has remained mostly dry. We have had between 1 and 2 inches of rain, depending on where you are in the county. While the rain was a morale booster, it provided only minimal relief from the extended dry period dating back to early August. Corn silage harvest is finished. Combines are rolling and harvesting corn and early soybeans. There are no solid yield numbers yet, other than better than expected. Cover crops, Triticale, and winter cereal grains are going in the ground behind the combines now that there is a little moisture in the top inches of soil. As conventional wisdom states, it won’t grow in the bag. Until next month, I wish you soaking showers and happy harvests.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Corn harvest is underway and soybeans are quickly drying down. Some small grains have been planted and emerged; however, a majority of cover crop planting will be delayed until the rest of the crops come off and we get more moisture.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

A few September rain showers have brought some much needed rain. Corn harvest has been full throttle for approximately two weeks now, early reports indicate average to below-average yields. We were one or two good rains in August away from a very strong corn crop. Soybeans have yet to be cut but many are concerned about soybean yields. Some double crop soybeans are just starting to turn but most are still green—perhaps the September rains packed a few bushels onto the double crops. Small grains will be going into the ground very soon.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

No report this month.

Lower Eastern Shore

Harvest started earlier than normal this year due to the dry weather. Most early-planted corn has already been harvested. There were some issues with corn stalks rotting and lodging with the wind. Late-planted corn is still green in the region. Early soybeans are ready to harvest, and drying down quickly. Farmers are preparing fields for winter wheat planting, which will begin mid-October. Cover crops are being aerial seeded into standing crops. There have not been reports of significant pest pressures.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

The region has received widespread rainfall during September. Conditions have been favorable for corn harvest with a good portion of the crop now off and in the bins. Reports of good to very good corn yields are coming in, though there are some spots with poorer yields on sandy ground or later planted corn. Bean harvest is just getting underway. Double crop beans are still working hard to fill pods and finally have some moisture to help them along. Cover crop is going in now.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

Reminder to Scout For Aphids in Small Grains As Part of Your Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus Management

Kelly Hamby, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist, University of Maryland | | kahamby@umd.edu; David Ownes, Extension Entomologist, University of Delaware; & Alyssa K. Betts, Extension Field Crops Pathologist, University of Delaware

Aphid populations outbreak very quickly and should be regularly scouted. Four aphid species are commonly found in Maryland and Delaware small grains and their economic impact varies. Therefore, it is also important to determine which species you are finding. In the fall, greenbugs are of most concern for direct damage to small grains, whereas in the spring English grain aphids are of most concern. However, aphid management concerns primarily occur because aphids spread Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV). BYDV losses are most associated with bird cherry oat aphids and fall infections of BYDV are the most damaging. In mild winters, aphid activity can occur in February and also cause concerning BYDV. 

Identifying small grains aphids

Diagram of four common aphid species in small grains in Maryland.
Figure 1. Common small grain aphid species.
A magnifying hand lens is required to identify aphids.

Bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi) ranges from orange green to olive green to greenish black. Wingless individuals typically have a reddish orange patch around the base of the cornicles (tail pipes). Winged individuals tend to be very dark. Their legs, cornicles, and antennae are similar in color to their bodies and medium in size.

Greenbug (Schizaphis graminum) ranges from lime-green to yellow and has a dark green line down the middle of their upperside. Both the legs and the cornicles are pale in color with noticeably darker tips. Cornicles are short. Winged individuals are similar but are darker around where the wings attach.  

English grain aphid (Sitobion avenae) ranges from pale green to yellow or even reddish brown and tend to be larger than the other small grain species. They have long dark antennae that extend to or past half the length of the body and are the only species with long black cornicles. Winged individuals are similar to wingless individuals but are darker around where the wings attach. 

Corn leaf (Rhopalosiphum maidis) ranges from light green to blue with dark heads, antennae, cornicles, and legs (usually all or most of each of these appendages is dark). The antennae and cornicles are shorter than the other small grain aphid species. Wing aphids are similar in size and darker than wingless individuals. This species tends to be much less common in small grain in our area.

Monitoring and Thresholds

Aphids should be monitored in the fall and at green up. Scout ten locations per field avoiding field margins and look at 1 ft of row in each, making sure to look at the crown (at or below ground level), at the stem, and on the undersides of leaves. English grain aphids tend to feed on the uppermost portions of the plants while bird cherry oat aphids tend to cluster on the lower portions, especially in barley.

University extension threshold recommendations vary by region. In the fall, we recommended a threshold of 6-8 aphids/row-ft in barley and 20 aphids/row-ft in wheat. In the early spring when small grains green up and resume growth, the aphid threshold increases greatly to 101-300 aphids/row-ft. It is unusual but not impossible for aphid populations to peak and require treatment even in late winter or early spring, as happened in Delaware in 2019 and 2022.

Keep an eye out for natural enemies that feed upon or parasitize aphids as they often do a good job of managing aphids. One natural enemy (lady beetle, aphid mummy, etc., for more information see 2023 Agronomy News Article) per 50-100 aphids is a ratio to avoid needing to actively manage aphids and natural enemies are great at finding aphid populations when they are too low for us to detect. Insecticides will kill natural enemies and which can result in aphid outbreaks.

Aphid Management

Aphid management relies heavily on planting date, varietal susceptibility to BYDV, insecticides, and natural enemies. Planting wheat later provides less time for aphids to colonize and reproduce in the fall. Wheat varieties have variable tolerance to BYDV, check with your seed dealer to determine your variety’s susceptibility. If it is more tolerant, you should be able to tolerate greater aphid numbers than a very susceptible variety. Insecticide seed treatments (e.g., Cruiser, Gaucho) provide some protection from fall aphids (4-6 weeks), but do not continue to provide protection into the spring and are not economic in years where aphids do not occur. In addition, they reduce natural enemy populations even into spring. Seed treatments may be more economic in malting barley than feed barley or wheat because malting barley is particularly susceptible to BYDV and high value. If a seed treatment was not used and aphid counts are at or near threshold in the fall, especially for bird cherry oat aphid or greenbug (due to direct feeding injury) foliar insecticide applications should be used. Pyrethroid insecticides (e.g., Warrior) or a pyrethroid-neonicotinoid mix (e.g., Endigo, labeled for barley only) are very effective for small grain aphids.   

More Information

Aphid Control in Small Grains in The Spring, University of Delaware, https://www.udel.edu/academics/colleges/canr/cooperative-extension/fact-sheets/aphid-control-small-grains/

Preparing for 2026 Small Grains Disease Management, University of Delaware Weely Crop Update, https://sites.udel.edu/weeklycropupdate/?p=27301

Wheat Insect Guide Aphids, University of Tennessee, https://guide.utcrops.com/wheat/wheat-insect-guide/aphids/

Scout for Aphids In Small Grains, Agronomy News, 2023, https://blog.umd.edu/agronomynews/2023/10/09/scout-for-aphids-in-small-grains/

Barley Yellow Dwarf in Small Grains in the Southeast, https://smallgrains.ces.ncsu.edu/wp-content/oads/2024/02/BYDV-in-the-SE-ANR-1082-compressed.pdf?fwd=no

 

2025 Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School

Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School (MACMS) Returns November 18–20, 2025, Offering Advanced Agricultural Education and CEUs in Ocean City, MD

The 2025 Mid-Atlantic Crop Management School (MACMS) is scheduled for November 18–20, 2025, at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort in Ocean City, MD. This 2 ½-day intensive training is hosted annually by University of Maryland and University of Delaware. The school is designed for professionals interested in crop management issues, including agronomists, crop consultants, extension educators, farmers, pesticide dealers, and soil conservationists.

A highlight of MACMS is the customizable curriculum available to attendees. MACMS features a modular format where attendees can tailor their schedule by choosing from five program options offered each hour, emphasizing the delivery of new and advanced information and encouraging group discussion.

The 2025 school will offer CCA continuing education units (CEUs) in five key categories: Crop Management, Nutrient Management, Pest Management, Soil & Water Management, and Sustainability. The total CEUs earned depend on course selection. Additionally, the school provides Pesticide Recertification Credits for DE, MD, NJ, PA, WV, and VA, as well as continuing education for Nutrient Management Consultants in those same states.

There are two opportunities for networking and socialization at the 2025 MACMS: a Tuesday evening Happy Hour inside the Princess Royale will be held from 5–7 PM, with drinks and limited food menu available for purchase; and the 2025 CCA Reception, hosted by the Mid-Atlantic CCA Board, is a free, off-site evening reception open to all Crop School attendees on Wednesday, November 19th. Seating for the reception is limited and must be reserved during online registration.

Enrollment in MACMS is on a first-come, first-served basis and can be completed online at http://go.umd.edu/25crop. Early-Bird Registration is $350 if received by October 24th and standard registration is $410 by November 7th. The registration fee includes participation in the 2 ½ days of sessions, materials, three continental breakfasts, two lunches, and refreshment breaks.

Hotel reservations at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Resort should be made no later than October 17th, 2025, to guarantee the group rates ($119/night for pool view; $169/night for oceanfront, plus fees/taxes). For questions or assistance, please contact Ms. Taylor Robinson at taylormr@umd.edu (410) 827-8056.

Maryland Regional Crop Reports: August 2025

Western Maryland

These past few mornings have been so pleasantly cool that I had to break out a long-sleeve shirt. While the temperature and the heavy dew are a welcome respite from the oppressive heat of July and much of August, what we wouldn’t give for some rainy days. Showers have been so widely scattered that it has rained one inch, and a mile has gotten nothing down the road. We got spoiled with the showers of June and early July; now the best we can hope for is a heavy thunderstorm, and they have been hit or miss. Silage harvest has started, so that we will have some indication of yield. Early soybeans and corn still look pretty, but the combine will tell the tale. Soon, planters will run behind manure tankers as triticale and emergency cereals are planted for fall and spring forage. As the saying goes, it will rain; when it does, we will need it.—Jeff Semler, Washington Co.

Central Maryland

Corn harvest has begun. We are really dry again and hoping the chance of rain over the next few days pans out! In two double crop soybean fields that I’ve been scouting in Montgomery County, aphid populations were moderately high but being kept in check by predators such as lady beetles and lacewings. Both full and double crop soybeans have minimal insect feeding from beetle and caterpillar pests.—Kelly Nichols, Montgomery Co.

Northern Maryland

Dry weather has returned—since last month’s report, we have only had one inch of measurable rainfall at the Extension office, and even that was isolated; some areas have far less, especially the farther west you go. Fortunately the majority of the corn crop was pollinated by then, but a dry August usually means light soybean yields. Double crops still have some yield potential if we get September rains. Dry weather has led to higher than usual insect pressure, especially in soybeans. Cooler temperatures have returned and with it tar spot has flared up. It is low in most fields but there are pockets where it is severe. A lot of hay has been made over the past month with great drying conditions. Silage harvest is finished or near finished on many dairy farms. Combines have dabbled in a few acres of early corn as the weather has been very conducive for drying; the jury is still out on yields.—Andy Kness, Harford Co.

Upper & Mid Shore

It’s been dry on the Upper Shore this month, with little to no rainfall to speak of. The effects are starting to show; bean leaves are cupping and some of the later-planted corn is curling under the stress. In response, many center pivots are back in action to help crops through the final stretch. Most of the corn is already at maturity and drying down fast, while the later-planted fields are sitting at dent stage. Full-season beans are beginning to turn color as well. As always at this time of year, weed escapes are an issue. The best move is to control them before those seeds mature and make deposits into your seedbank, adding to your problems next season.—Dwayne Joeseph, Kent Co.

Lower Eastern Shore

It’s been a cooler than normal August. Corn is drying down. A few corn fields in the region have already been harvested, but most farmers are about a month out, waiting for lower moisture content. Soybean is in reproductive stages. Cover crops are starting to be aerial seeded into standing crops. Podworms are prevalent this year, especially in double-crop soybean; farmers are scouting and spraying.—Sarah Hirsh, Somerset Co.

Southern Maryland

Conditions have turned dry over the last several weeks. Corn harvest is ramping up now with reports of good to very good yields. Some later planted corn will be hurt will premature dry down and poor grain fill. Full season beans looked exceptional coming into August with very good pod set.  Time will tell how many of those pods will fill out with drier conditions. Double crop beans are coming along but will need some moisture soon. Unfortunately, we have had some pest issues above threshold that are requiring treatment. Soybean aphid populations were prevalent in many fields 2-3 weeks ago. Last week we began finding podworms above threshold. Both are worse in double crop or replanted soybeans.  The dry weather has provided ideal conditions for putting up dry hay. We should have a plentiful hay stocks this winter. Many hay producers are complaining of constant weed pressure, especially foxtail, horsenettle and crabgrass this summer.—Ben Beale, St. Mary’s Co.

*Regions (counties):
Western: Garrett, Allegany, Washington. Central: Frederick, Montgomery, Howard. Northern: Harford, Baltimore, Carroll. Upper & Mid Shore: Cecil, Kent, Caroline, Queen Anne, Talbot. Lower Shore: Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico. Southern: St. Mary’s, Anne Arundel, Charles, Calvert, Prince George’s

September 2025 Grain Market Report

Dale Johnson, Farm Business Management Specialist | dmj@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Corn

This month’s 2025/26 U.S. corn outlook is for greater supplies, larger exports, and a slight reduction in ending stocks. Projected beginning stocks for 2025/26 are 20 million bushels higher based on a lower use forecast for 2024/25, with reductions in imports and corn used for ethanol partially offset by an increase in exports. Corn production for 2025/26 is forecast at 16.8 billion bushels, up 72 million from last month as a 2.1-bushel reduction in yield to 186.7 bushels per acre is more than offset by a 1.3 million acre increase in harvested area to 90.0 million acres. If realized, harvested area would be the highest since 1933 and planted area of 98.7 million acres the highest since 1936. Total U.S. corn use for 2025/26 is forecast up 100 million bushels to 16.1 billion. Exports are raised 100 million bushels to a record 3.0 billion reflecting U.S. export competitiveness and robust early-season demand. With rising supply more than offset by greater use, ending stocks are down 7 million bushels to 2.1 billion. The season-average corn price received by producers is unchanged at $3.90 per bushel.

Soybeans

The 2025/26 outlook for U.S. soybeans includes higher production, higher crush, lower exports, and higher ending stocks compared to last month. Soybean production is projected at 4.3 billion bushels, up slightly with higher harvested area offset by a lower yield. Harvested area is raised 0.2 million acres from the August forecast. The soybean yield of 53.5 bushels per acre is down marginally from last month. The crush forecast is raised 15 million bushels driven by stronger soybean meal exports. The soybean export forecast is reduced 20 million bushels on increased competition, particularly from Russia, Canada, and Argentina. Ending stocks are projected at 300 million bushels, up 10 million from last month. The U.S. season-average soybean price is forecast at $10.00 per bushel, down $0.10 from last month.

Wheat

The outlook for 2025/26 U.S. wheat this month is for unchanged supplies and domestic use, higher exports, and lower ending stocks. Exports are raised by 25 million bushels to 900 million on a continued strong pace of sales and shipments of Hard Red Winter wheat. Projected 2025/26 ending stocks are lowered 25 million bushels to 844 million and are now slightly less than last year. The projected 2025/26 season-average farm price is reduced by $0.20 per bushel to $5.10 on NASS prices reported to date and expectations for futures and cash prices for the remainder of the marketing year.

Fall Weed Management in Pasture and Hay

Green field of hay with round bales
Amanda Grev, Pasture and Forage Specialist | agrev@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

A wet spring followed by drier summer weather has led to a flush of summer weeds for many farms. Late summer or fall can be a good time to get a handle on some of the harder to control biennial and perennial weeds commonly found throughout pastures and hayfields. If you haven’t already done so, it might not be a bad idea to scout your pastures and hayfields in search of problem weeds as we move through late summer and into the fall season. When it comes to weed control, timing of herbicide application is critical and it is important to spray when weeds are most susceptible to achieve maximum effectiveness. 

Summer annuals like cocklebur, pigweed, spiny amaranth, ragweed, and lambsquarters will germinate in early summer and complete their full reproductive cycle in one growing season. Like all annual weeds, these species are best controlled during the seedling and early vegetative stage when they are young and actively growing. Herbicide applications will be more effective if made at this stage while they are still smaller and more susceptible and will prevent them from flowering and producing seed. By this time of year, these summer annuals are already fairly mature and any herbicide applications will likely be less effective. Instead, take note of any problem areas to keep an eye on next spring and utilize tools like mowing or targeted grazing to help minimize seed production from these species.

If weedy annual grasses like goosegrass, foxtail, panicum, and Japanese stiltgrass are problematic, pendimethalin (Prowl H2O) has a supplemental label that allows for its use on established perennial pastures or hayfields grown for grazing, green chop, silage, or hay production. This product may be applied to perennial grass stands or alfalfa-grass mixed stands. Prowl H2O may be applied as a single application in the early spring, or for more complete control it can be applied as a split application with the first application in early spring and the second application after first cutting (sequential applications must be 30 or more days apart). Research has shown that split applications are able to provide better control than a single, early season application. Keep in mind, pendimethalin is a pre-emergent herbicide, meaning it will only control weeds if applied prior to germination; by this time of year, these summer annual grasses have already germinated so Prowl H2O will not be effective and there are currently no herbicides labeled to control emerged weedy grasses in grass stands or alfalfa/grass mixes. Instead, focus on mowing or targeted grazing to help minimize seed production from these species now and take note of any problem areas to plan ahead for next spring.

Biennials live for two growing seasons, with the first year consisting of only vegetative growth as a seedling and rosette and the second year consisting of vegetative growth and also reproductive growth in the form of an elongated flower stalk. Common biennial species include burdock, bull thistle, musk thistle, and wild carrot. These species are best controlled during the seedling and rosette stage and should be treated while they are smaller and more susceptible before they begin to bolt. Fall is a great time to control these species when they are in the first year of their lifecycle; at this point they are smaller and still in the rosette stage of growth as they prepare to overwinter. Once spring arrives, they will grow and develop rapidly and it becomes more difficult to achieve effective control.

Late summer or fall is also a great time to control many common perennial species like horsenettle, smooth groundcherry, multiflora rose, and Canada thistle. At this time of year, these perennial plants are translocating sugars (energy) into their root system prior to winter to prepare for next spring’s regrowth. A fall application of systemic herbicides will result in translocation of the herbicide to the plant root system as well, allowing for better control. 
Horsenettle in particular seems to be especially prevalent this year. This warm-season creeping perennial grows actively from May through September and is capable of thriving in hot, dry conditions and low fertility environments due to its deep root system. In addition to seed production, horsenettle is also able to sprout new shoots from its roots, allowing new plants to emerge throughout the summer. Due to its sharp prickles, livestock typically avoid grazing horsenettle, but it can cause irritation and injury to mouth and throat tissue if consumed and the plant can be toxic if ingested in high enough quantities. Mowing can impact the growth of horsenettle, but mowing alone is likely not enough to fully control this species. Mowing horsenettle once or twice during the growing season in combination with an effective herbicide application in late summer is likely the best strategy for control.

There are a number of herbicides available for control of broadleaf weeds in pastures and hayfields. Herbicide selection should be based on the type of forage and the weed species present. The most common herbicides used for control of broadleaf weeds in grass hay or pasture are the plant growth regulator herbicides, which includes products containing 2,4-D, dicamba, triclopyr, fluroxypyr, or a mix of these (see the table below for a list of common products). These products are safe if applied to established grass forages at the labeled rates but can kill or injure desirable broadleaf forages (i.e. clover, alfalfa) in grass-legume mixes. Also, remember that adequate green leaf tissue must be present for the targeted plant to effectively absorb the herbicide. Avoid applying herbicides immediately after mowing or if plants are no longer actively growing following a frost.

Note that if forages were recently seeded and are not yet established many of these herbicides can cause severe crop injury. Most herbicide labels for cool-season perennial grasses state that the grasses should be ‘well established’ with at least 4-5 inches of growth, although some labels are more restrictive than this. In addition, some of these herbicides have haying or grazing restrictions following application. Always read and follow the guidelines listed on the product label for proper rates, timing, residual effects, and any grazing or harvest restrictions following application.

Lastly, remember that while herbicides can be a useful tool for weed management in pastures and hayfields, they are not the only option for weed control. A program that integrates several different control strategies is generally more successful than relying on a single method. For maximum results, include cultural practices such as selecting adapted species and maintaining optimum soil pH and fertility, mechanical practices such as timely mowing or clipping to suppress weed seed production, and biological practices such as utilizing livestock for controlled grazing or browsing. Most importantly, remember that weeds are opportunistic; the ultimate strategy and number one form of weed control is competition with a healthy, dense stand of desirable forage species.

Product1

Active Ingredient(s)

Application Rate2

General/Restricted Use

2,4-D

2,4-D

1 to 2 qt/A

General

Banvel/Clarity

dicamba

0.5 to 2 pt/A

General

Crossbow

2,4-D + triclopyr

1 to 6 qt/A

General

PastureGard HL

triclopyr + fluroxypyr

0.75 to 4 pt/A

General

Prowl H2O

pendimethalin

1.1 to 4.2 qt/A

General

Remedy Ultra 4L

triclopyr

0.5 to 4 pt/A

General

WeedMaster

2,4-D + dicamba

1 to 4 pt/A

General

1Always read and follow all guidelines listed on the product label

2For use in established grass pasture or hayfields

Watch Out for Those Pigweeds!

Kurt Vollmer, Weed Management Extension Specialist | kvollmer@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension

Trying to spray pigweeds now isn’t worth it since flowers are present, and it’s almost time to harvest. The damage to crop yields is already done, and it’s better to focus on next year. Knowing which weeds are in your field can help you make better decisions. While it’s not ideal to wait until pigweeds are this far along, their flowers can help you tell the difference between the bad ones from the really bad ones.

weed in a soybean field
Figure 1. Palmer amaranth flowers emerging in a soybean canopy.

Since Palmer amaranth and waterhemp are noxious weeds in Maryland, it’s necessary to remove them from fields, or at least stop them from spreading. Right now, both species have long, thin flower spikes—about 2 to 3 feet for Palmer and 1 to 2 feet for waterhemp—especially in mature corn and soybean fields (Figure 1). These two species produce male and female flowers on separate plants. Male Palmer flowers feel soft while or female flowers have sharp, leaf-like parts called bracts (Figure 2). Waterhemp flower clusters are more spread apart on the spike, and their female flowers do not have sharp bracts like Palmer amaranth (Figure 3).

Male and female Palmer flower spikes showing their differences
Figure 2. Male Palmer amaranth flower spikes (left) are soft compared to female flower spikes, which contain sharp bracts (right).
Flowers of waterhemp
Figure 3. Flower spikes of waterhemp have a similar appearance to Palmer amaranth, but flower clusters are more widely spaced and female flowers do not contain sharp bracts.

Smooth pigweed and redroot pigweed have much shorter flower spikes, only about 0.5 ft to 0.7 feet. These species have both male and female flowers on the same plant. Redroot pigweed flower spikes are short and stubby, while smooth pigweed flowers are a bit longer and thinner Figure 4).

Redroot and smooth pigweed flower comparision
Figure 4. Flower spikes of redroot pigweed (left) tend to be short and stubby, compared to smooth pigweed (right).

Remember, different types of pigweeds may be growing in the same field. To learn more about how to tell them apart and manage them, check out Keys to Identifying Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp.

Corn Earworm in Soybeans and Sorghum

Hayden Schug, Agriculture Agent | hschug@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Charles County

Corn earworms, also known as podworms, headworms, bollworms, and several other names, have increased in Maryland following flights up from the South and higher local emergence. Growers should remain alert for damage in double-cropped soybeans and sorghum. While this pest is a familiar concern in sweet corn, it can also cause serious yield losses in other summer crops when populations are high.

Figure 1. Common caterpillars found in soybeans, note the number of prolegs to distinguish between species. Image: H. Schug, Univ. of Maryland.

In soybeans, larvae feed directly on pods and developing seeds, with the greatest risk occurring between the R1 and R5 stages. Fields that are flowering or setting pods are especially attractive to egg-laying moths. Female moths typically deposit eggs in clusters near the upper canopy. Larvae may be green, yellow, or brown, with faint stripes along the body and small spines on the skin.

When scouting, ensure that earworms are identified correctly, as they have a different economic threshold than other caterpillars commonly found in fields, such as soybean loopers and cloverworms (Figure 1). Damage can be detected by looking for chewed pods or flowers. However, the absence of visible chewing damage does not mean the pest is absent. Soybeans often abort young pods or flowers that have been damaged, redirecting energy toward intact pods and flowers. Earworms are voracious eaters, it has been shown that one large earworm per row foot in wide-row soybeans can reduce yields by 1.93 bushels per acre.

In sorghum, earworms target the developing grain heads. Damage resembles that caused by sorghum webworm but tends to be more extensive, with larvae consuming the soft kernels directly. Yield loss is tied to the number of larvae per head and the crop’s stage at infestation. Sorghum is vulnerable from bloom to milk stages, with one corn earworm per head causing 5–10% yield loss.

Scouting should be conducted carefully and often. In soybeans, use sweep nets to sample across the field, not just along field edges, since moths may concentrate in certain spots. A common threshold is an average of 2–3 medium to large larvae per 15 sweeps, though the NCSU online calculator is recommended for adjusting thresholds based on row spacing, control costs, and crop value, https://go.umd.edu/soybeanthreshold.

Figure 2. Proper scouting technique.

In sorghum, examine at least 10 heads in each of several locations. Treatment is typically justified when an average of two or more large larvae are found per head during flowering and early seed development. Texas also provides a dynamic threshold calculator that accounts for field conditions and larval size, https://extensionentomology.tamu.edu/sorghum-headworm-calculator/.

Because some corn earworm populations have developed resistance to pyrethroid insecticides in parts of the Mid-Atlantic, growers should consider products with alternative modes of action if treatment is warranted or rotate among different modes of action. Group 28 insecticides and indoxacarb products have shown good efficacy and can be used in rotation with pyrethroids if needed.

Monitoring flights, identifying larvae correctly, and scouting fields at vulnerable stages are key to avoiding late-season losses. With higher-than-normal moth pressure this year, fields should be checked regularly through September or until crops are no longer susceptible to damage.

References available upon request.

High Protein Wheat in the Mid-Atlantic – Is It Possible or Profitable?

Nicole Fiorellino, Extension Agronomist | nfiorell@umd.edu
University of Maryland, College Park

As we head into wheat season, I have had a number of Maryland farmers (and farmers beyond Maryland) ask me about growing high protein soft red winter wheat (SRWW) in our region. Coincidentally, I recently published an article on the topic based on a field study I performed in Maryland right around COVID. Back in 2018, representatives from grain mills in Pennsylvania asked me if it was possible to increase the protein content of SRWW grain, as SRWW is produced specifically to be low in protein. Increased wheat yields in the Mid-Atlantic have driven down the protein content of the grain produced, as there is a known inverse relationship between wheat yield and grain protein; that is, as wheat yield increases, grain protein decreases. Local wheat buyers are blending hard wheat from the Midwest with lower-protein SRWW produced locally, but this process is expensive and there is a need for higher protein SRWW grown in the Mid-Atlantic.

Figure 1. Average yield and grain protein of four varieties of soft red winter wheat over three years and two locations in Maryland. The first commercially available variety is generally marketed as high yielding and the other three varieties were selected for high reported protein and purchased from Virginia Crop Improvement Association.

I chose to answer three questions with my research, 1) is it possible to increase the protein content of SRWW; 2) if it is possible, would the increase be a result of selecting high protein varieties or modifying how nitrogen (N) fertilizer is applied or a combination of both; and 3) is it is profitable? We determined that in Maryland it is possible to increase protein content of SRWW and we demonstrated this through both variety selection and modifying fertilization strategy. I selected varieties from Virginia Tech Small Grains Variety Trial report that had the highest protein content reported, and these varieties resulted in grain with protein above 11%, with one variety yielding as well as a commercially available high yielding wheat variety (Figure 1), but typically a yield decrease was observed with increased grain protein. I shifted the timing of N fertilizer application in the spring to a greater amount of fertilizer applied at jointing versus greenup keeping the spring total N application rate the same. I included an additional treatment that kept the total N application rate the same, yet included a third application post-flowering, and I included a final treatment with three spring N applications and an increased spring total N application rate. I demonstrated there was no need to increase the total amount of N applied in the spring to increase grain protein, but dividing the same amount of spring N into three applications versus two will increase grain protein (Figure 2). Therefore, the answer to question 1 is, yes it is possible and the answer to question 2 grain protein increase can result from either variety selection or modifying fertilization strategy but not necessarily a combination of both.

Figure 2. Average grain protein across four nitrogen (N) fertilization strategies and three years and two locations in Maryland. Dividing the same amount of N into three applications versus two successfully increased grain protein. When three applications were made and more N was applied, there was no additional increase in grain protein.

Finally, to answer the question of profitability. The answer to this question is the classic “it depends,” and every grower should have a solid idea of their cost of production to estimate their profitability. Here are some points to consider if you are considering growing high protein wheat.

First, it is important to consider if typical wheat production is profitable in your location, as some locations in my study yielded so low that it would not be profitable to produce wheat period. Second, it is important to assume increased input costs for high protein wheat production, namely an additional application trip across the field for N application, increased seed costs for high protein variety, and longer distance hauling. Third, it is important to assume decreased yield with higher protein when estimating profitability. Using these assumptions, a grower should pencil out their breakeven price to produce high protein wheat and compare that to typical wheat prices in the recent past. Some of my calculations from sites in my study indicated a $2.25 premium would be required to breakeven producing high protein wheat…that is a huge premium that is unlikely to be offered. Finally, when producing a “value-added” product like high protein wheat, it is recommended to secure a contract or sale price before investing time or money into production, as my back of the envelope calculations do not always promise profit.

High protein SRWW is possible in the Mid-Atlantic but the profitability depends on the individual grower. Approach this new enterprise with caution and ensure the profitability pencils out before planting seed. The publication is available at https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/agg2.70154 , as always, reach out with any questions or further discussion.

Prioritizing Safety During Harvest Season

Jeff Semler, Principal Agriculture Agent| semler@umd.edu
University of Maryland Extension, Washington County

It’s harvest time, and safety should be paramount. Many people think about safety on the road or moving from the field to storage, but there are many other things to consider.

It is essential to take the time to communicate with all those working proper protocols while making silage, along with safe practices around silage piles, bunkers, and silos.

Tractor rollovers are a leading cause of accidents and deaths on farms. Due to the steep nature of the piles or the sheer walls that exist on bunkers, extra precaution is needed when operating tractors while packing the silage pile. To help with the steep nature of silage piles, the recommendation is to utilize a 1 to 3 slope on the ends and sides of drive-over piles. Tractors should also be backed up piles to help prevent them from flipping over backwards on steep slopes. It is suggested that lighting or rails be placed above the walls on silage bunkers to indicate the location of the edge of the wall. Next is the lack of employees utilizing the safety belt when operating the tractor, which causes them to be thrown from the tractor, potentially being crushed in a rollover. Tractors should also be equipped with R.O.P.S. (roll-over-protective structures), which help provide a protective barrier around the person operating the equipment.

Entanglement in silage-making equipment, unfortunately, happens too often. Due to the extensive amount of moving parts, including blades, knives, belts, chains, gears, and PTO shafts, it is imperative to make sure all shields and safety guards are kept in place while operating equipment. This equipment is extremely large and can now chop twelve plus rows of corn at a time; thus, it is crucial to know where everyone is before starting the equipment and moving forward. Absolutely, do NOT let children play around this equipment.

Falls are another source of injury or death around silage piles. It can occur when climbing up the silo, falling off the side of the bunker, or the face of a pile. Make sure all guard rails are correctly installed on silo ladders and chutes are in good repair before accessing them. Workers must utilize good practices when there are slippery conditions or wet weather. Care should be taken when removing tires and tarps covering the pile, making sure not to get too close to the edge and fall off. Other types of falls have occurred when employees have slipped out of the bucket of the pay loader while trying to access the face of a pile.

Silage pile avalanches are also another source of danger. People should never stand closer than three times the height of the feeding face of the pile to help eliminate potential entrapment in a silage avalanche. To help minimize this risk, silage piles should never be constructed higher than the defacing or unloading feeding equipment can reach the top of the pile. This prevents undercutting, creating a cornice on the silage pile that can potentially collapse, entrapping people. Weak spots can occur between old crop and new crop silage if a pile is “added unto,” causing silage to release and break away. Thus, extra caution should be used in these areas of piles. When accessing the pile, always start at the top, working your way down the face of the pile. Never dig into the pile with the loader from the bottom and work up. Utilizing a tractor or equipment with an R.O.P.S. installed will also provide extra protection if an avalanche occurs and the cab is entrapped in silage.

When first accessing silos, bunkers, and piles, be aware of toxic gases that are produced during the fermentation process. Silos typically have the highest risk of these gases being concentrated, although they can occur in all types of silage fermentation. These gases include nitric oxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and nitrogen tetroxide (N2O4). These gases are toxic and often fatal when inhaled. Typically, the greatest concentration of these gases occurs during the fermentation process in the first three weeks after completion of filling the silo. Once a silo is opened for the first time, run the silage blower for 20-30 minutes and wear a respirator before entering the confined space. Precautions should also be taken when opening bunkers or piles for the first time, as they are also tightly sealed, and gases can concentrate under the tarps.

We also need to recognize that, in addition to gases, molds may sometimes be present. Some molds produce toxins such as aflatoxin, mycotoxin, endotoxin, etc., which can trigger asthma attacks or allergic reactions. Precautions such as dust masks or respirators are also recommended when handling moldy silage throughout the feed handling process.

As producers enter a confined space, they should be tethered to a rope or harness, which a person outside of the silo can use to pull the person out of a silo in emergencies. The “lock-out-tag-out” system should be engaged so that someone outside the silo does not accidentally turn the blower on if maintenance or repair is being performed inside the silo.

Last but not least, remember we farm where we live, so always be on the lookout for bystanders and children.

Communicating and training all workers on proper safety protocols for handling and accessing silage is essential to minimize the risk of accidents. Additional access to appropriate safety equipment, such as reflective vests, eye protection, and breathing equipment when needed, is equally important. Lead by example and do not be afraid to correct improper worker performance; if they do not follow established safety protocols, you may save a life!

Article adapted from Be Safe and Smart Around Silage (Erickson, T., 2021)