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Stink bugs, corn leafhoppers among topics at July 8 field day
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida will update producers on pests affecting corn and soybean crops at the annual MU Crop & Pest Management Field Day, July 8 in Columbia.
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Scout soybean, corn crops for Japanese beetles
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network is reporting the first Japanese beetle captures of 2026 and calling for growers to begin scouting soybean and corn crops.
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New investments boost Hundley-Whaley's impact
ALBANY, Mo. – Recent repairs and upgrades at the University of Missouri Hundley-Whaley Extension and Education Center are strengthening the site’s ability to deliver high-quality research and practical education for Missouri farmers.
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Upgrades expand capacity at MU Graves-Chapple Center
FAIRFAX, Mo. – At the Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center near Rock Port, a refurbished combine is shaving hours off harvest time, detailed soil maps are helping researchers apply fertilizer more precisely, and even a new mower is freeing up staff time for more research and outreach.
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Conditions right for tar spot in Missouri corn crops
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Frequent rain and unseasonably cool weather this May are creating favorable conditions for tar spot to develop in Missouri cornfields in June. “We’ve detected tar spot in June in each of the last three years, and I anticipate the same for 2026,” says University of Missouri Extension plant pathologist Mandy Bish.
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How extreme precipitation can affect crop health, yields
NOVELTY, Mo. – Waterlogging and flooding are among the most damaging weather-related stresses in crop production worldwide, and their impacts are increasing as extreme rainfall becomes more frequent. Flooding ranks second only to drought among abiotic stresses.
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When fields stay wet
NOVELTY, Mo. – Heavy rainfall is becoming more frequent across Missouri, leaving producers dealing with saturated soils, ponded fields and flooding even before the 2026 growing season began. Understanding how excess water affects crops—and what steps can help in the short and long term—can protect yield potential and improve field resilience, says University of Missouri Extension state soil science specialist Gurbir Singh.
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Drones can help diagnose ailing crops
MONTGOMERY CITY, Mo. – Rusty Lee, a University of Missouri Extension agricultural systems technology specialist, used artificial intelligence and drone technology last season to diagnose irregular corn stands.
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Soil compaction: More than avoiding ruts
Managing wet spring soils isn’t just about avoiding ruts—it’s about protecting the biological and physical foundation of crop production and yields.
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Managing potassium and phosphorus when prices are high
When high fertilizer prices shock the system, farmers often ask if they can delay their P and K applications until next year, when prices may be lower. The quick answer is yes – if your soil test levels are near recommended levels, says University of Missouri Extension state nutrient management specialist John Lory.
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Consider ROI before applying fungicides
Before applying fungicides this season, growers should carefully consider the potential return on investment (ROI), says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. In years where disease pressure is low, the cost of application may outweigh the benefits.
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Sign up for pest alerts
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Now is the time to sign up for the University of Missouri’s Pest Monitoring Network. The free, timely pest alerts can be an early-warning system for farmers, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida.
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Watch for stink bugs in crops in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Something’s been stinking in Missouri soybean, corn and cotton crops since the 1990s. University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida says stink bugs feed on a variety of plant species, including corn and soybeans.
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Scout early and often for corn leafhopper in 2026
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Extension in-field research in 2025 cornfields showed less damage from corn leafhopper than in 2024. MU Extension state crops and forage entomologist Ivair Valmorbida is happy about that, but he is unsure why this happened. “It is possible that corn leafhoppers arrived later in the season compared to 2024, as they do not truly overwinter in Missouri,” Valmorbida says.
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Producer enjoys continued success with milo grazing
University of Missouri Extension specialists find that producers see up to $300 savings in feeding costs per calf when their livestock graze standing milo through the winter.
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Southern rust can affect nutrient value of winter feed
Southern rust, a fungal disease, can reduce nutrients and lower digestibility in infected corn fed to livestock, says MU Extension agronomist Nick Wesslak. Early dry down caused by southern rust can cause problems with proper silage packing, which increases risk of poor fermentation and higher mold and yeast populations.
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Data-driven insights for harvest timing
The MU Extension publication “Days Suitable for Fieldwork in Missouri” can help farmers plan with confidence. It draws on 20 years of weather data to show weekly averages of days suitable for fieldwork. It also includes formulas to estimate how much acreage can be covered per day and size equipment to match available field time.
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More than 90% of state in drought as harvest nears
As harvest nears, MU Extension agronomists see signs of flash drought threatening Missouri crop yields. The U.S. Drought Monitor map for Missouri released on Sept. 4 shows that 93.68% of Missouri is at least abnormally dry following an unusually wet spring.
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Missouri corn adds a-maize-ing complexity to whiskey
MU Extension researchers are working to help Missouri corn growers who provide corn to distilleries for brewed corn whiskey. As of 2024, the state was home to 71 active craft distilleries. The corn whiskey business, as part Missouri’s broader distilling industry, has a substantial economic footprint.
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Scout crops now for corn leafhopper
Missouri growers urged to scout corn for invasive corn leafhopper, a tiny yellow pest that spreads corn stunt disease, causing deformed grain and yield loss.
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First reports of Japanese beetles received in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri Integrated Pest Management reports the capture of its first Japanese beetles of the season, says MU Extension crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida. The beetles appeared in Stoddard, Barton, Christian and Holt counties, as reported by MU’s Pest Monitoring Network, which gathers information from across the state.
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Replant or roll with it? MU guide weighs costs, payoffs
COLUMBIA, Mo. – When faced with a sparse or failed stand, crop producers have to ask themselves a difficult question: Should I replant?
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Scout deep into fields for tar spot
Good scouting is the best way to identify tar spot in corn, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. Tar spot was confirmed in June of 2023 and 2024 in Missouri, which is earlier than in previous years, when the disease showed up in August or September. This earlier appearance is likely to continue because Missouri’s spring air temperatures are favorable for the disease, says Bish.
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MU IPM issues pest alerts for black cutworm, true armyworm
Corn and wheat producers are alerted to emerging risks from black cutworm and true armyworm; monitor early and sign up for pest alerts.
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MU releases payment plan decision tool for corn, soybean, wheat
Free tool helps farmers compare PLC and ARC-CO program payments for corn, soybean, and wheat in 2025.