Kneifl Seed

09/18/2022

New soil sampling rig is finished and ready for all your soil sampling needs. Call today to get your acres booked.

Coleman: 712-635-0876

06/26/2022

Be on the lookout for corn rootworm larvae as they began hatching last week. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Continuous corn is at a higher risk. Rootworm beetle populations boomed in 2021, and we are already seeing larvae in fields that were “beetle bombed” last year. Options to control larvae are limited, but it may still be beneficial to identify problem fields now so we can begin planning for an insecticide application during pollination. Larvae must feed on roots to consume Bt proteins, so it is reasonable to expect some root damage even with effective traits.

2. It is worth checking rotated fields as well. Last year there were noticeable populations of northern corn rootworm in corn planted on soybean stubble. This likely indicated the presence of extended diapause. This was unexpected, as we did not recall seeing a large population of northern corn rootworm beetles in 2019. It is yet to be seen if this will be an issue this year.

3. Did you have waterhemp escapes in soybeans last year? Rootworm beetles can often be found feeding on pollen from waterhemp. This means waterhemp escapes last year could have hosted rootworm beetles long enough for them to lay eggs for this year’s corn crop.

4. Please control volunteer corn. Aside from hurting soybean yields, we do not need a host for rootworm in fields that will be planted to an above-only Bt hybrid next year. If this means making an extra pass to clean up clethodim/corn killer failures, it needs to be done.

04/08/2022

As alfalfa seeding approaches, be sure to look at seed tags and ask about coatings when pricing varieties. Many brands will coat their alfalfa in a 34% coating-meaning in a 50 pound bag you are buying 17 pounds of clay.

Pioneer alfalfa uses a 9% coating as part of the seed treatment and inoculant.

Use the calculator below to calculate the savings when using a lighter coating and as always reach out with questions!
https://www.pioneer.com/us/tools-services/calculate-alfalfa-savings.html

02/23/2022

Looking for a new crop insurance agent or interested in a second opinion on your current coverage?

Contact me to discuss coverage levels, endorsements, crop-hail, and how to best put your premium dollars to use.

Midwest and more! March 15 is the last day to protect your spring crops. Be ready for whatever comes this season. Call your local Rain and Hail agent!