Tracking Nitrogen And Black Cutworm

 

One of the studies underway at multiple locations in Illinois, including the Northern Illinois Agronomy Research Center, will track the nitrogen fertilizer applied at varied times (fall, early spring, at planting, sidedress) and from different sources (UAN and Anhydrous Ammonia).

 

 

Soil samples are collected at 0-1 and 1-2 feet and analyzed for nitrogen content. To insure uniformity, NIARC research agronomist Greg Steckel utilizes a template between rows to collect the sub samples for each location. Samples are collected every ten days.

 

Dr. Mike Gray reminded corn growers to be aware of the damage that can be caused by Black cutworms and encouraged farmers to look for early signs of leaf feeding as a potential indicator of cutting that may ensue. We have been unsuccessful in capturing a significant flight of Black cutworm (nine or more moths trapped over 2-day period) at our site, but enough moths have been caught in several northern counties to allow projected cutting dates to be shared. They include Lee County (May 31), Whiteside County (June 1), and Henry (June 3). Plants in the 1- to 4-leaf stage are most susceptible to cutting. Cutting of plants earlier than these projected cutting dates is possible — localized intense flights may have occurred and were not picked up in the trapping network. Dr. Grays May 13th Bulletin post can be accessed here.

 

Video: Jim Smalley: The Voice That Defined Saskatchewan Agriculture Journalism | CKRM 100th Anniversary

Our next 620 CKRM Icon is Jim Smalley. Jim reflects on his remarkable career, from his early days in Ontario and his first steps into news, to his move west and his lasting impact on Saskatchewan’s airwaves.

After joining CKRM in 1982, Jim spent more than four decades as one of the province’s most trusted and recognizable voices. Jim defined agricultural journalism — not just in Saskatchewan, but across Canada. His commitment to telling the stories of farmers, rural communities, and the people behind the headlines set the standard. Now retired from the newsroom that proudly bears his name, Jim shares memorable stories from his time on air. A broadcaster, a storyteller, and a true voice of Saskatchewan — Jim Smalley’s legacy continues to resonate at CKRM and beyond.