Not snow hitting the windshield…black cloverworm moths are readily abundant in east central Illinois and have been very noticeable the past couple of nights.

Many online reports of incomplete pollination are troubling. A recent article published by Dr. Greg Schwab on LinkedIn.com (I reposted it if you follow me) points out that boron may be involved. The article is short and is worth reading. linkedin.com/posts/greg-sch….

Any corn pollination issues will be evident as the crop nears maturity. Poorly pollinated ears require less sugars to complete grain fill, leaving free sugars to be stored in plant tissues. Plants that have incomplete ears will remain green longer and will turn a reddish color

High nighttime temperatures increase corn plant respiration. As a result, some of the sugar produced during the day by photosynthesis is used to sustain the plant. Sugars consumed by increased plant respiration are used at the expense of grain fill and other plant functions.

Good publication to read. acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ae…

#agrisagronomy sharing part of the Korina Velema summer intern projects at AGRIS Cooperative , Boron tissue results from B placement trials, check, Soil, Foliar and Soil plus Foliar. Thanks to Chimo Farms for cooperating and sharing machine data, yield to follow this fall

Looks like you’re getting ready for another good cover crop seeding season. Great to see ag retailers investing in the future of cover crops.

Some observations from a field visit this afternoon south of Bloomington, Illinois

Differences in management appears to make a difference in nutrient cycling. Can we start to learn how such differences may impact crop nutrition and fertilizer use? I think so. Thanks Dr. Margenot.

Just listened to this again. So heart-felt and true. I am thankful to all that have sacrificed to make this nation possible. Red Skelton's Pledge of Allegiance youtu.be/2HGHdFmu5GU?si… via YouTube

The game camera mounted on the swing frame caught a glimpse of what was digging holes in the yard. Squirrels were usually blamed, but not anymore. youtu.be/AAgheEBhnyQ

Dry weather in East Central IL will impact fall N applications. Avoid applications in extremely dry soil. Unlikely to seal, allowing free ammonia to escape from the trench. The absence of soil water also allows ammonia to migrate further in the soil before it transitions to

The fall AA in East Central IL will result in a significant increase in toolbar repair and maintenance without rain. Hard, dry soil will wear knives much faster, causing excessive stress on welds and knife shanks. Know what to do in the event of a toolbar ammonia leak.

Drought area. Now is a good time to dribble water at the base of trees and shrubs in preparation for winter. Replenishing some water before winter will hopefully minimize stress caused by the dry conditions. I let the hose dribble overnight at the base of each plant.

Infrequent small rain events will have little impact on replenishing soil moisture. 1/2-inch will wet the surface, but will evaporate rather than migrate, especially if followed by a sunny, warm day. A series of cloudy, wet days are needed (after harvest).

Consider the impact of dry weather on soil tests. Sampling dry soils may depress pH. Not getting the probe to the proper depth will result in higher P/K results. It may be a good time to defer sampling until normal soil moisture returns if it has not yet been collected.

Be prepared to answer calls from downwind neighbors about the smell of free ammonia if applying to dry soil this fall. It doesn't take much free ammonia gas to raise concerns about the smell. How much is lost if the smell becomes noticeable? It's impossible to measure the amount

There is still time to seed cover crops. Have it custom-seeded with a drill or air seeder. Both provide good soil contact, essential for stand establishment, and avoid the cost of a carrier. Sunrise FS has seeded over 23,000 acres in the past 4 years. They do a great job.

Elevate your agronomy skills with Basics of Applied Agronomy. The course fits into 12 live lectures and provides practical knowledge in Soil & Water Management, Nutrient Management, Pest Management, and Crop Management. Enroll today at: parkland.augusoft.net/index.cfm?meth… Starting 11/11/25

Johnny Carson BROKE DOWN Crying on Live TV — what this 7-year-old said c... youtu.be/r8vpgkA2EEw?si… via YouTube A video clip that I want to share. This is what it’s all about. God bless Johnny Carson.