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Two common caterpillar pests of corn. Top: Corn earworm caterpillar. Bottom: European corn borer.

A Case of Mistaken Caterpillar Identity

Tweets about European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis) caterpillars in the stems of conventional corn and feeding in the whorls of corn are crossing my Twitter feed. Unfortunately, there is a problem with some of these tweets. Not all of the caterpillars that are being identified as European corn borer caterpillars are actually European corn borer caterpillars!

United States Environmental Protection Agency logo.

Cancellation of Several Neonicotinoids

On May 20, 2019, the United States Environmental Protection Agency announced the cancellation of registrations for 12 products that contain neonicotinoid insecticides. The cancellation of the product registrations was voluntarily requested by the companies that had registered the products.

Pregnant sheep ultrasound day 25

Detecting Pregnancy and Litter Size in Ewes Using Ultrasound

Guide providing insights on optimal timing for pregnancy scanning, what to look for at different gestational stages, and practical ultrasound techniques for the best results.

Small group of calves in a feedlot.

Vaccinating Early-Weaned Beef Calves

In most years, pre-weaning vaccinations are a task completed in early fall. However, in dry years, poor pasture conditions forcing producers to wean calves early may push up that timeline.

A large, yellow automatic cattle waterer installed in a feedlot.

Water: The Unappreciated Nutrient

Water intake is strongly linked to feed intake, so any factors that cause cattle to drink less will lead to reduced feed intake and consequently reduced performance.

Two black beef cows and one black-and-white beef cow in the foreground.

Forage-Based Heifer Development Systems

Forage-based heifer development systems offer producers a practical opportunity to reduce input costs while maintaining acceptable reproductive performance. By effectively utilizing available forage resources, heifers can be developed efficiently with reduced reliance on harvested feeds.

Squash planted in several carefully spaced holes in strip of landscape fabric.

How to Prepare Landscape Fabric for In-row Weed Control for Flower and Vegetable Production

Farmers and gardeners have taken an interest in landscape fabric due to its durability, weed suppression and reusability. Learn some tips for preparing it and installing it for a variety of plants this growing season!

Winter wheat field covered with snow

Effects of Snow on Wheat

Even though snow that comes with the onset of cool temperatures can be a nuisance for our daily activities, it can benefit a winter wheat crop a great deal.

A companion planting of kale, pole beans, and marigolds in a small garden plot.

Organic Pest Control Methods

Integrated pest management is an environmentally conscious approach to managing insects, weeds and disease. By focusing on natural processes, growers use pest control methods beginning with the least toxic and amplifying the pest control needs gradually if problems persist.

A close shot of a cow's eye. The cow seems to be in pain.

Anthrax: Vaccination Considerations

Anthrax is caused by bacteria, Bacillus anthracis, which has the ability to form very resistant spores in the soil. These spores can remain viable for many years on pasture, and become reactivated when the right environmental conditions exist. Fortunately for cattle producers, losses due to anthrax can be prevented through use of a vaccine that has proven its effectiveness through the years.