We've Been Slimed -- Slugs Impacting Corn And Soybean Crops In Ohio

Jun 07, 2017

By Kelley Tilmon

The mild and rainy planting season not only delayed getting our crops in, but also favored slug populations to thrive. We have been receiving many calls on slug damage, especially in cover crops that have just been killed. As the cover crop dies down, the slugs hang around and wait to feed on the emerging corn or soybean. At this point, heavily damaged fields may consider slug baits that contain metaldehyde or iron phosphate to prevent further feeding, although these control options are expensive and time is running out since the slugs are maturing into less damaging stages.

There has been some discussion on using 28% UAN to control slugs—getting adequate slug control with this tactic is extremely difficult, and also runs the risk of burning crop foliage. Hopefully, as our crops grow (and given the predicting heat and lack of precipitation in the forecast, it may be quick), they could be able to grow out of the damage. As long as the growing point has not been damaged, both corn and soybean could withstand some feeding without a significant loss in yield.

Source: osu.edu

Video: Grazing Network Group: What it is and how it benefits our operation

In the spring of 2023 OMAFA, along with the University of Guelph, gathered a group of 18 producers from the beef, sheep, and dairy sectors to support a three to four year research project related to measuring grass growth in Ontario. The producers use a Rising Plate Meter to capture grass growth and record livestock movements. This presentation will explain how the group interact/support one another, some initial findings, as well as the benefits for the research team and our farm.

The purpose of the Profitable Pastures conference is to bring fresh ideas and new research results to Ontario grazing managers across the ruminant livestock sectors. These conferences have a major focus on pasture management