When seeding cover crops, the method makes a difference. For success in overseeding covers into a standing crop, either by broadcasting with high clearance equipment or aerially applying the seed, consider these tips from Iowa State University Extension.

The USDA is authorizing emergency procedures to help agricultural producers impacted by extreme drought conditions.

According to the most recent USDA crop progress report, some 26% of corn crops were reported silking as of the week ended July 11, in line with the 26% reported silking in the same week last year. The 5-year average for corn silking in the week was 30%.

USDA has reported some 10% of corn crops silking, above the 9% reported silking in the same week last year. The 5-year average for corn silking in the week was 14%.

Agricultural producers with crop insurance can now hay, graze or chop cover crops for silage, haylage or baleage at any time and still receive 100% of the prevented planting payment. Previously, cover crops could only be hayed, grazed or chopped after November 1, otherwise the prevented planting payment was reduced by 65%.

In case you missed them, here are the items that have garnered the most interest from other farmers in the past month.

Some 4% of corn crops were reported silking, in line with the 4% reported silking in the same week last year. The 5-year average for corn silking in the week was 6%.