Agriculture

Cool temperatures coupled with periods of rain have kept much of the state’s corn out of the ground. As producers hustle to compensate for lost planting time, they should be aware that late-planted corn could present a different insect scenario this year.

The good news is the state’s late-planted corn is not likely to see increased problems with corn rootworm and is likely to see reduced wireworm damage.  However, several pests do not arrive until later in the season, and these pests could pose the greatest threat to yields.

Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s time for Washington County 4-H members to finalize their plans for 4-H Camp.  Washington Co. will be camping June 29 – July 2 at Lake Cumberland 4-H Camp. The deadline for 4-H camp registration is June 1.  At that time, the spots Washington County has not filled will be released to the other counties that will be camping the same week.  Those counties include LaRue, Taylor, Meade and Russell.

 Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced that USDA has extended the sign-up deadline from June 1 to Aug. 14, 2009, for both the Direct and Counter-cyclical Program (DCP) and the forthcoming Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program. This action extends the sign-up deadline by 10 weeks to give producers ample time to decide whether to participate in ACRE or remain in DCP.

Cool, wet weather has prevailed across much of Kentucky over the past week or so, increasing the risk of diseases on tobacco transplants.  

The current conditions are particularly favorable for collar rot and target spot.  We have confirmed a case of collar rot from a greenhouse in central Kentucky within the past few days, so the focus of this week’s article will be on recognition and management of this disease.