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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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Stink bugs widespread in Missouri soybeans
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Stink bugs are an all-too-familiar foe for Missouri soybean growers, but new University of Missouri research shows just how widespread they are, and how farmers can better time and target their scouting.
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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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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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Plant soybean early for best yields
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Early planting remains strongly associated with soybean yield, according to research by University of Missouri state soybean farming system specialist Andre Reis.
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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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Watch for red crown rot in soybean
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri soybean growers should be alert for red crown rot (RCR) in 2026, says University of Missouri Extension state plant pathologist Mandy Bish. The soilborne pathogen was confirmed in nine Missouri counties during the 2025 growing season after its initial detection in Marion County in 2024.
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Construction underway on new SCN Diagnostics Lab on MU campus
COLUMBIA, Mo. – Construction is underway on the new Soybean Cyst Nematode Diagnostics Lab at the University of Missouri, with completion expected by July 2026. Work on the facility began in late February.
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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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Watch for new soybean pest in Missouri
COLUMBIA, Mo. – The soybean tentiform leafminer (STL) moth is no bigger than George Washington’s nose on a quarter. But don’t underestimate it, says Ivair Valmorbida, University of Missouri Extension state field crops and forage entomologist. Valmorbida confirmed STL’s presence in 2025 in Cooper County in a field next to a wooded area, its preferred infestation area.
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Register for the Missouri Crop Management Conference
Registration is open for the state’s premier agricultural conference for farmers and ag industry professionals, the Missouri Crop Management Conference, Dec. 9-10 in Columbia.
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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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MU Soybean monitoring report predicts sharp decline in yield
The latest Soybean Growth Monitoring Yield Prediction report from MU Extension predicts drastically lower soybean yields due to lack of rain, averaging 3-6 bushels per acre lower than in the previous report.
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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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MU Extension brings learning, application to Norborne Soybean Festival
MU Extension again joined the celebration at the Norborne Soybean Festival in August by bringing hands-on learning and application to the “Soybean Capital of the World.”
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Free SCN tests available to Missouri farmers
University of Missouri Extension, SCN Diagnostics and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council are again offering free testing for soybean cyst nematode (SCN), the No. 1 pathogen of soybean in the United States.
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New soybean pest found in Missouri
MU Extension state crops entomologist Ivair Valmorbida has confirmed the presence of a new soybean pest in Missouri, soybean tentiform leafminer. Valmorbida encourages farmers to scout soybean fields for the pest.
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Red crown rot appears in two more Missouri counties
Red crown rot confirmed in Maries and Phelps counties; scout fields for irregular patches, especially in wet areas.
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Kochia found in NW Missouri soybean fields
Kochia, a highly competitive weed that can reduce yields by as much as 70%, has been found in northwestern Missouri soybean fields. Kochia is not new to Missouri, but this may be the first report of kochia showing up in cropland.
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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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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.
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Sign up now for 2025 crop pest alerts
Sign up for free 2025 crop pest alerts to protect fields and gardens from Japanese beetles, armyworms, stink bugs, and more.