Frost Damages Crops

(Le Mars) — Last week’s freezing temperatures have caused some widespread damage to western Iowa corn fields according to Joel DeJong, Iowa State University Extension crops specialist.

Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/May 2014/DeJong frost1.MP3{/audio}

DeJong says in many instances corn had already emerged when the cooler temperatures had hit, but he believes the crop will recover.

Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/May 2014/DeJong frost2.MP3{/audio}

As for soybeans, the crops specialist says fortunately, he had not seen any soybeans in this area, that had emerged prior to the frost.  DeJong says if soybeans had emerged, they no doubt would have been damaged by the frost.

Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/May 2014/DeJong frost3.MP3{/audio}

Statewide, 40 percent of the soybeans have been planted and DeJong believes northwest Iowa farmers have perhaps planted as much as 60 percent of the intended soybean acreage.  DeJong says farmers will want to start scouting for black cut worms.  He says based on the populations of adult larvae, he expects the pest could start feeding on the young plants within the next week.

Listen to
{audio} images/stories/mp3/May 2014/DeJong frost4.MP3{/audio}

The Iowa State University Extension agronomist says the day length and temperatures will determine how fast the cutworms will move into this area.  He says as the corn slows down, so does the insects and other pests.