Stink bug appearance delayed in 2025 Western Kentucky soybeans

By Felipe Batista and Raul Villanueva
Published on Sep. 16, 2025

We have observed significant numbers of stink bugs over the past few days in some soybean fields in western Kentucky. Their arrival appears later than in previous years, likely due to the rainy spring delaying planting this season.

The Seed: An essential component of yield production

By Dennis Egli
Published on Sep. 16, 2025

We grow grain crops for their seeds, so it makes sense that we should give some thought to how seeds grow. After all, the production of yield is not just about leaves and photosynthesis, seeds are also important. 

Thinking of planting canola? Here's what you need to know

By Mohammad Shamim
Published on Sep. 16, 2025

As farmers are signing contracts to grow Canola in Kentucky, there are some general observations from previous research and from current farms on what appears to result in the best odds for successful Canola yields.  Planting date

Soil fertility for fall-planted winter grains and cover crops: 2025's special considerations

By John Grove and Edwin Ritchey
Published on Sep. 16, 2025

At present, what many parts of Kentucky need most is moisture. Some drills are able to place seed appropriately under these dry conditions, but some will not provide a consistent planting depth. Inconsistent seed depth can lead to uneven seed germination and seedling growth as dry weather continues.

Fourth Straight Fall, Same Story: Drought Conditions Return to Kentucky

By Matt Dixon
Published on Sep. 12, 2025

The official data for August 2025 has been released (Figure 2), and as expected, it was the driest August ever recorded in Kentucky. The state averaged just 1.29 inches of rainfall—about 2.5 inches below normal.

A wet spring and dry summer make for wild yield swings

By Chad Lee
Published on Sep. 12, 2025

Most of the regions in Kentucky growing corn and soybeans received between 40 to 51 inches of rain by the first week of July. Most of those same regions have received very little or scattered rains since.

Italian ryegrass control starts in the fall

By Travis Legleiter
Published on Sep. 12, 2025

Italian ryegrass continues to be the most problematic weed in Kentucky wheat and no-till corn acres. Control of this problematic weed starts in the fall when the majority of our populations begin to emerge.  In our no-till corn acres, we have traditionally relied on spring burndown applications for control of winter annuals, including

Avoiding Lodged Corn

By Kiersten Wise
Published on Sep. 10, 2025

Corn harvest is well underway in western Kentucky, but as the rest of the state begins to harvest, farmers need to be aware of potential lodging issues. Pockets of fields scouted across the state show pre-harvest lodging and/or stalk strength tests have indicated a high potential for lodging to occur (Figure 1).

Corn Leafhopper Detected in Kentucky Corn in 2025

By Felipe Batista, Kiersten Wise, and Raul Villanueva
Published on Aug. 15, 2025

Current Status

Damage by Pillbugs on Soybean Seedlings under Laboratory Conditions

By Raul Villanueva
Published on Aug. 15, 2025

Pillbugs, or roly-polies, are land-dwelling crustaceans—not insects. They are commonly found in moist environments with decaying organic matter and are generally considered decomposers. However, under favorable conditions, pillbugs can sometimes feed on live plant tissue, particularly during the early growth stages of crops like soybeans.