Evaluation Of Miticide Efficacy For Control Of Two-Spotted Spider Mite (Tetranychus Urticae) In Mid-Southern U.S. Cotton Production

Presented by:  Dr. Chase Floyd, Crop Protection Specialist, University of Missouri

Only considered an occasional pest in most Mid-southern U.S. cotton producing states, the two spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) (TSSM) is consistently observed in the Missouri bootheel region. Growers across the cotton belt are seeking answers for control of TSSM and limited data exists due to difficulty of pest colony natural establishment. Entomologist across the cotton belt have collected miticide efficacy data to better understand available miticide options for grower producers. These data will aid growers in management decisions for TSSM infestations.

Insect Management In Thryvon Cotton And Its Value

Presented by:  Dr. Ben Thrash, Extension Entomologist, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

This session will cover what to expect with Thryvon cotton and differences in tarnished plant bug management strategies between Thryvon and non-Thryvon cotton. We will also discuss the overall value of this new technology as well as potential changes in thresholds and insecticide programs.

Developing Commercially Usable Cotton With Resistance To Emerging Cotton Diseases

Presented by:  Dr. Jodi Scheffler, Research Geneticist, USDA-ARS
Presented by:  Dr. Don Keim, Retired Breeder / Consultant

Useful traits exist in wild or old cotton lines but require years to develop into elite lines usable to cotton breeders. This step, called pre-breeding, involves integration of wild or obsolete cotton traits into elite lines with agronomic traits similar to successful cotton cultivars, saving breeders years in developing improved cultivars for U.S. growers. This strategy works best with traits that are easily inherited such as disease resistance. Elite lines with resistance to cotton leaf curl virus or cotton leaf roll dwarf virus (cotton blue disease), are being developed through a unique approach utilizing genetic male sterility.

Frustrations Experienced With Verticillium Wilt In Cotton

Presented by:  Dr. Fred Bourland, Professor, University of Arkansas

Verticillium wilt is fungal-induced disease of cotton, which can limit production by progressively plugging the vascular system (“plumbing”) of the plant. Symptoms of the disease include wilted leaves, vascular discoloration and pre-mature boll opening. The disease is most commonly found on silt loam soils, but some exotic germplasm lines have expressed symptoms on the Sharkey clay soil at Keiser. This finding suggests that the pathogen may be widely spread on different soil types, that most varieties express some resistance, and that the disease may sometimes be associated with yield plateaus. Counter to common production practices in our area, incidence of the disease can be lessened by increasing plant rates (plant densities), reducing nitrogen, limiting irrigation, and lowering boll load! The Arkansas Cotton Variety Test at Judd Hill (near Trumann) provides an opportunity to evaluate varieties under relatively heavy Verticillium wilt pressure, and annually produces variation in leaf symptoms among varieties. Attempts to visually rate disease symptoms as a measure of disease resistance has been frustrating and often confounded by variation in crop maturity. Variation in ratings of leaf symptoms may be associated with variation in resistance, maturity and/or boll load. Relative yield over multiple years is used as an indicator of tolerance to the disease, but this measure has limited use in a selection program.

Using Drone Technology To Lessen Frustrations

Presented by:  Dr. N. Ray Benson, Assistant Professor, Agronomy & R.E. Lee Wilson Chair, Arkansas State University

Modern drone technology may provide a method to distinguish variation in Verticillium wilt resistance even before visual symptoms appear. Georeferenced thermal imagery can be used to measure canopy temperature at a sub-field level and may detect differences among cultivar plots. Progression of Verticillium wilt reduces plant water use efficiency and decreases transpiration. As a result, canopy temperatures will likely show variations related to the severity of disease progression. Thermal imagery may help identify potentially susceptible cultivars before plant stress or Verticillium wilt presents visual symptoms.

Overview Of Regenerative Cotton

Presented by:  Dr. Bill Robertson, Conservation Agronomist, CWC Farm

Since the introduction and use of pesticides and commercial fertilizers in cotton, growers have shifted their production philosophy toward increasing yield through the increased use of inputs. This philosophy is based primarily on producing high yields, while hoping to produce enough lint to cover expenses. In a regenerative agriculture production system, which is based primarily on profitability, growers can take advantage of improved soil biology, improved soil health, and improved rooting to maintain yield potential while using fewer inputs. Increased efficiency of inputs will help improve cotton’s profit potential.

Our Experience With Regenagri Certified Cotton

Presented by:  Marshall Hardwick, Louisiana Producer, Hardwick Planting Company

Hardwick Planting Company was the first cotton farm in the U.S. to be certified by Regenagri and partnering with J. Crew Group. Discussion will focus on practices employed on the farm to qualify for certification, the certification process, continuous improvement guidelines, and how this has impacted our bottom line. We feel it is important to invest in programs that will improve the health of our soil, our planet, and the people who inhabit it.

Soil Health:  Lessons Learned In The Field

Presented by:  Emily Ball, Soil Health Educator with U.S. Regenerative Cotton Fund, Soil Health Institute
Presented by:  Zeb Winslow, North Carolina Farmer

A regional educational partnership was developed to encourage the adoption of soil health management systems on cotton acres throughout 9 states in the cotton belt. Working with local technical specialists, farmer mentors, and soil health educators, growers are provided locally relevant technical assistance, specific economic benefits of adoption, and guidance from experienced producers to ensure long-term success when adopting soil health management systems. Locally relevant benchmarks are also used to assess soil health by comparing indicators of soil health across different management systems.

Cotton Insect Management Strategies

Presented by:  Dr. Whitney Crow, Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University

Current recommendations and new research focused on cotton insect pest management. Presentation will include strategies for controlling the most economically damaging pest in cotton which may include thrips, tarnished plant bug, cotton bollworm and/or other occasional or secondary pests.

The Management Needs Of The Modern King Cotton…

Presented by:  Tucker Miller III, Mississippi Consultant/Farmer, Miller Entomological Services, Inc.

The legendary crop of the American South has met the laboratories of modern agricultural research and development. Tucker Miller III, a member of the Mississippi Agricultural Consultants Hall of Fame, brings a half century of experience consulting and farming into his lecture at the Conference. He’ll be joined by Dr. Whitney Crow, a professor at Mississippi State University. They will address how the cotton market thrives on the variety of cotton developed by researchers and produced by growers. Miller and Crow will also highlight how important effective management is to the production of early, mid and late season crops. They’ll speak of the risks involved and how state extension services play a vital role in making disease management and insect control a success.

Experiences With The See & Spray:  Perspectives From A Weed Scientist And Cotton Grower

Presented by:  Dr. Jason K. Norsworthy, Distinguished Professor & Elms Farming Chair of Weed Science, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Presented by:  David Wildy, Arkansas Farmer, Wildy Family Farms

Dr. Jason Norsworthy, weed scientist with the University of Arkansas Systems Division of Agriculture, and David Wildy, cotton farmer in Mississippi County, Arkansas, will discuss their experiences with the See & Spray technology along with pros and cons of using the machine and targeted spray applications. A comparison of the See and Spray Ultimate and See and Spray Premium machines will be presented. The See and Spray Premium was used on more than 8,000 acres of cotton at Wildy Farms in 2023. David will show maps of sprayed fields and the associated spray savings.

Improving Potassium Management In Cotton Production

Presented by:  Dr. Gerson L. Drescher, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas

Cotton is widely cultivated on arable soils with limited potassium (K) availability and K loss by runoff is currently a challenge for profitable cotton production. In this presentation, details about cotton K deficiency, tissue-K concentration and yield responses to K fertilization will be discussed. Understanding crop responses to K nutrition is substantial in diagnosing deficiencies and developing efficient fertilization practices.

K Loss In Cotton

Presented by:  Steve Stevens, Arkansas Farmer, C. B. Stevens Farms Inc.

I have worked with Discovery Farm, on 4 cotton fields since 2012, P&N runoff levels have been measured at all rain and irrigation events for 12 years, K was added to the list in 2017. Although P&N runoff levels are very low, K levels are high, running at 40 lbs. per acre, this has been a complete surprise to be losing Potassium. We apply all Fertilizer after crop emergence, applying what the plant uses for a reasonable yield.

Late Season Rice Management

Presented by:  Dr. Jarrod T. Hardke, Rice Extension Agronomist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Many factors influence rice grain yield and milling yield at the end of the growing season. Several factors will be discussed including fertility, drain timing, harvest aids, and harvest moisture.

Check-Off Programs And Accountability

Presented by:  Jim Whitaker, Arkansas Farmer, Whitaker Grain LLC / Trinity Farms Partnership LLC

Agriculture check-off programs date back over a half century, and today have accumulated over 750 million dollars in resources. But the programs have been the source of controversy in recent years, and Jim Whitaker will engage his audience asking this question…Where does all this money go? He’ll discuss USDA oversight practices, just who the decision makers are when the money is spent, and after a top-down review of check-off policy, determine whether or not they work for the farmer’s benefit. He’ll be joined by Dr. Jarrod Hardke of the University of Arkansas.

Rice Nitrogen Management:  What Is Protecting Your N From Loss?

Presented by:  Matt Fryer, Technical Agronomist – SE US & East Coast, Koch Agronomic Services  
Presented by:  Dr. Trenton Roberts, Professor & Soil Fertility Extension, University of Arkansas

Nitrogen volatilization loss in rice production can be severe, and not all volatilization inhibitors are created equal. Volatilization inhibitors have a competitive mode of action on the urease enzyme active site which means that the amount of active ingredient applied to the fertilizer really makes a huge difference on volatilization inhibition and ultimately yield. Volatilization and rice yield data comparing different urease inhibitors will be shown.

Update On USA Rice Sustainability & Leadership Development Programs

Presented by:  Dr. Steve Linscombe, Director – The Rice Foundation, USA Rice Federation

The USA Rice industry has a strong history of continuous improvement in all important sustainability metrics. These include greenhouse gas reductions, water use efficiency, land use efficiency, water quality, energy use reduction and biodiversity. All of this will be discussed as well as the Rice Leadership Development Program.

Rice, Irrigation & Conservation

Presented by:  Scott Matthews, Arkansas Farmer

With over three decades of experience under his belt, Matthews will speak on the lessons learned by operating a successful multi-site farming operation, in a region where rice dominates. Implementing management techniques like AWD with water sensors and AgSense technology to cultivate strong crops in a water challenged environment, to building your own reservoir and maintaining critical ground water, Matthews will focus on the essential role of irrigation to his farming success. He will share the stage with Dr. Steve Linscombe, who after 35 years with LSU, now works with the USA Rice Federation.

Will The Rice Price Simmer Down In 2024?

Presented by:  Milo Hamilton, President and Senior Economist, Firstgrain, Inc.

The rice market increased its price volatility in 2023. Will it follow the price pattern of the Russian/Ukrainian wheat markets, which rose up in 2022, then crashed in 2023.
So far, as of August 2024, USDA is forecasting a modest impact from the Indian rice ban on price, production or level of trade. The theory is that as rice price rises, import demand will cut back. There will be little or no panic stockpiling of rice.
Considering what happened during El Nino shortage situations in 1966, 1973/74, or 2008, the rice price in July/ August 2023 saw modest price gains.
At the 2024 Cotton & Rice Conference, I will update you on the rice market and the outlook for 2024.

Weed Management In Southern U.S. Rice

Presented by:  Dr. Jason A. Bond, Weed Scientist, Mississippi State University

Weed control is one of the primary inputs for rice production in the mid-southern U.S. Many challenges face rice growers in the area. Among these are off-target herbicide movement, herbicide resistance, and new production systems.

Nutrient And Water Management For Various Rice Production Systems

Presented by:  Dr. Hunter Bowman, Extension Rice Specialist, Mississippi State University

During this session attendees can increase knowledge on getting the most return from fertilizer applications. As well as, learn about water management for various rice growing techniques.

The Reasons Conservation Tillage Improves Soil Health

Presented by:  Dr. Ronnie Levy, State Rice Specialist / Associate Professor, Agronomy, LSU AgCenter

While many producers use some conservation tillage, there are many benefits that are overlooked. Organic matter, soil structure, and planting on time are just a few that will be discussed. Erosion and soil losses will also be included because of their importance in high yields.

Diversify To Make A Profit

Presented by:  Alan Lawson, Louisiana Farmer

A third-generation farmer in the Bayou Country, Lawson will speak about how poor soybean performance led him to rotate rice production and implement crawfish harvesting on his 2500- acre farm. This decision led to greater profitability for Lawson and enabled him to use his acreage for most of the year. Lawson will speak about the technique he developed to drain his land to harvest crawfish, and then go directly to the planting his spring crops. The graduate of LSU will be joined in his presentation by Dr. Ronnie Levy of the LSU Ag Center.

Altering Seeding Rate And Other BMPs In Furrow-Irrigated Rice

Presented by:  Dr. Justin Chlapecka, Rice Extension Specialist, University of Missouri

It would be fair to say we’ve been flying by the seat of our pants and learning as we go when it comes to furrow-irrigated (row) rice. Should we be altering our seeding rate in row rice, or possibly exploring variable rate seeding? What about other practices? Join us to discuss year 2 of our research data on seeding rate and cultivar selection in row rice, management options from both a research and farm perspective, and what seems to be working the best in Missouri.

Lessons Learned From Growing Row Rice

Presented by:  Rance Daniels, Missouri Farmer, Daniels Farm Partnership

Rance, a third generation farmer in Dunklin, County, Missouri, will speak on the trials, tribulations and success of growing row rice. He’ll speak of the benefits that have come from learning what works…and what doesn’t in the row rice approach to growing, on his 2000 acres in the Missouri Bootheel. He’ll open up his session for a roundtable discussion, so everyone there can give their feedback on the topic. Dr. Justin Chlapecka of the University of Missouri’s Fisher Delta Research Center will join Daniels.

Insect Management Changes In Arkansas Rice Production

Presented by:  Nick Bateman, Extension Entomologist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Multiple studies were conducted to determine the effectiveness of new sampling methods for rice water weevil as well as multiple control strategies. Assays were also conducted on rice stink bugs to determine tolerance levels to lambda-cyhalothrin along with multiple in-field efficacy trials to aid in management of potential resistance.

Patty Rice VS Row Rice…What To Plant

Presented by:  Wendell Minson, Missouri Consultant, Bootheel Crop Consultants

The longtime consultant with over a quarter century of experience advising rice growers, will address his audience about the nuts and bolts of decision making, when it comes to planting. The issue at hand is what rice to plant…row or patty. Joined by Nick Bateman of the University of Arkansas, the two men will speak about the costs row rice removes from the equation, when it comes to the need for levees. They’ll also raise the issue of the benefits of furrow irrigated rice production, and how the ability to rotate crops helps the bottom line.

Rice Market Outlook – The Swings In Supply And Demand

Presented by:  Dennis DeLaughter, Market Analyst, VantageRM, LLC

The issue most concerning for the rice market is not world supply but world supply availability. This past 6-months we have seen India put a scare into the Asian market that hasn’t been seen since the Thailand drought of 1987. This situation has put end users on notice that while there is no shortage of rice, there can be a shortage of available rice to cover their needs. We will cover this swing in supply along with the swing of demand we head for the 2024 crop year. Then there are the questions surrounding recession and how high operating interest rates will go before the FED tames inflation? We will cover these issues and more in the swings of supply and demand for rice in 2024.

Advanced Planting Technologies:  Pros And Cons

Presented by:  Dr. Michael J. Mulvaney, Hartwig Endowed Chair for Soybean Agronomy, Mississippi State University
Presented by:  Matt Brignac, Mississippi Farmer

We will discuss the pros and cons of advanced planting technologies. Research will highlight mechanical
vs. precision planting at various planting speeds and their effects on plant stand, plant spacing and yield
in corn and soybean. Experience with both flighted and brush belt systems will be addressed, as well as
the use of precision planting technologies in cotton.

Soybean Response To Sulfur Rates And Sources

Presented by:  Dr. Rasel Parvej, Assistant Professor & Soil Fertility Specialist, LSU AgCenter
Presented by:  Dr. Josh Copes, Loan Officer/Farmer/Independent Crop Consultant, Cross Keys Bank

Sulfur (S) deficiency is becoming a major concern for crop production due to the atmospheric S deposition through rainfall has been reduced by 90% since the Clean Air Act was adopted. Another important source of S is soil organic matter that is also decreasing everyday due to tillage practices and high temperature and rainfall in the Mid-South. We established 35 research trials in 2023 to evaluate soybean response to 6 different S rates (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 60 lb S/acre) and 5 sources (ammonium sulfate, sulfur plus/gypsum, K-mag, tiger 90CR, and potassium thiosulfate). We collected soil samples at planting, tissue samples and vegetation indices at flowering, and seed yield and seed protein concentration at harvest. Results will be presented in the meeting.

What’s Left And Working For Soybean Weed Control?

Presented by:  Dr. Thomas (Tommy) Butts, Associate Professor, Extension Weed Scientist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Presented by:  Hank Chaney, Arkansas Consultant

Herbicide resistance is consistently increasing in numerous weed species across Arkansas, particularly in Palmer amaranth where chemical options are beginning to dwindle. Additionally, weeds like common cocklebur, sicklepod, and prickly sida (teaweed) are making a comeback, and Italian ryegrass and sedge species are quickly becoming severely problematic across the state further complicating our weed control efforts. This talk will explore current herbicide resistance concerns and distribution, current control strategies that have been effective both in research and commercially, and future control efforts to consider.

Effects of Automatic Insecticidal Applications For The Control Of Lepidopteran Pests In Midsouth Soybeans

Presented by:  Dr. Tyler Towles, Research and Extension Entomologist, Mississippi State University

Experiments were conducted in Mississippi to determine the efficacy and overall value of automatic insect growth regulator (IGRs) applications for the control of certain lepidopteran pests in soybeans. The intent of these experiments is to determine if IGR applications during the automatic fungicide timing window provide residual control to prevent late-season lepidopteran pests from establishing. IGRs were applied as automatic applications with and without fungicide applications around the R3 to R4 growth stages. Insect counts were recorded at 7, 14, and 21 days after application. Additionally, insect bioassays were conducted to determine residual control and larval mortality levels in
a field setting.

Insect Control In Midsouth Soybeans

Presented by:  Dr. Sebe Brown, Research & Extension Field Crop Entomologist, University of Tennessee

Louisiana and Midsouth soybeans are affected by a diverse number of arthropod pests that compose different insect complexes. Presently, the most damaging complex of insects are stink bugs followed by pod feeding and defoliating worms. Differences exist among stink bug species’ ability to damage seed with Redbanded stink bugs being the most detrimental stink bug in Midsouth soybeans. Corn earworms and soybean loopers are the most difficult and costly lepidopteran insects to control. This presentation will highlight the use of a multifaceted approach to controlling yield limiting insects in Midsouth soybeans.

Commercially Available Biological Products Performance In Mississippi Soybean Production

Presented by:  Dr. Corey Bryant, Assistant Professor, Mississippi State University 

The number of biological products being marketed to soybean producers has led to an increase in questions regarding the productivity and feasibility of using biological products. Until this year researchers at Mississippi State University have generated limited amounts of data where biological products were evaluated. Therefore, in 2023 three different studies were initiated to evaluate multiple biological products that are currently commercially available to Mississippi growers or will be commercially available within the next year. In total there were 13 biological product treatments along with a treated and untreated control. The first study was conducted in small plots at three different Mississippi State University research farms to determine agronomic and economic response in varying soybean production systems and environments. Study two was conducted in growth chambers to determine the effect of temperature on soybean emergence when treated with the biological products. Study three was a small-plot field study conducted to determine physiological differences in soybeans treated with the biological products. Results from all three studies will be discussed during the session.

Using Information Wisely

Presented by:  Wayne Dulaney, Mississippi Farmer, Gen 4 Farms

Wayne wears more than one hat, managing a local seed company, and farming Gen 4 Farms, a 4th generation family operation in Clarksdale, Mississippi. In his career, he’s taken note of the fact that many farmers do not know how to analyze data and use that information for their benefit. He’ll talk about how he’s learned to take what modern statistics have to offer farmers, and how to make that a tool for their success in the field and on the bottom line. Joining Dulaney will be Dr. Corey Bryant of Mississippi State University.

New Tools For Nutrient Management In Corn

Presented by:  Dr. Trenton Roberts, Professor & Soil Fertility Extension, University of Arkansas

Corn has become a staple portion of the crop rotation across the Mid-south and more producers are interested in how to properly manage nutrients to optimize yield and productivity. Researchers and Extension personnel have worked diligently to develop new decision support tools to aid producers in corn nutrient management. These tools cover the gamut from preseason potash rate calculators to in- season tissue tests. Our presentation will cover the tools available to producers to help ensure their yields are not limited due to nutrient availability.

Utilization Of Tissue Testing Within The Corn & Grain Sorghum Research Verification Program

Presented by:  Chuck Capps, Corn & Grain Sorghum Research Verification Coordinator, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

The goal of the University of Arkansas Row Crop Research Verification Program is to is to verify that management according to Division of Agriculture recommendations can result in increased profitability and sustainability for producers. With ever increasing costs of production, producers are continually looking for avenues to reduce input costs. To address this issue over the last four years in the Corn & Grain Sorghum Research Verification Program, we have utilized in-season plant tissue testing to make sure that we apply the needed amount of fertilizer at specific crop stages.

Performance Of Litter As An Alternative Fertilizer For High Yield Potential Corn Production

Presented by:  Dr. Jake McNeal, Assistant Professor-Corn & Soybean Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee
Presented by:  Dr. Shawn Hawkins, Professor & Extension Specialist-Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science, University of Tennessee

Since 2019, the University of Tennessee has conducted two multiyear studies assessing the performance of broiler litter as an alternative fertilizer for corn production. For corn in rotation with soybean, litter was tested as a complete fertilizer applied in the year corn was produced. This study revealed that while litter provides a range of minerals for corn and soybean, corn N deficiency can be expected even at high litter application rates. In a second study with continuous corn, litter was shown to perform most efficiently when applied at planting with subsequent split application of mineral N fertilizer.

Using LADDER (Large Agricultural Database That Drives Extension And Research) And LIVE (Large-Plot Implementation Validation Experiment) To Increase Crop Productivity And Profitability At The Field Scale

Presented by:  Zach Reynolds, Research Project Manager, Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute

Big data capture and analytics may be foundational to addressing a multitude of research and Extension areas in the Mid-South. Analysis of large-scale, agricultural data can be used to determine the effects of agronomic practices, management philosophies, and environment on crop productivity and profitability. The LADDER program collects, processes, and securely stores geospatially specific agronomic and environmental data for the purpose of addressing research and Extension concerns. The LIVE program employs information from LADDER to formulate field-scale research experiments. These programs work in conjunction for the purpose of making precision agricultural data actionable and beneficial for growers.

Experienced Advice For The 21st Century Ag Producer

Presented by:  Ryan Moore, Principal, M&M Ag Consulting, LLC

Moore went to work in the ag industry right out of high school. He’s worked in every aspect of the business, from precision and agronomy management, to spending a number of years with John Deere overseeing dozens of dealers for the ag giant. Through his consulting company, he advises growers throughout Arkansas that own over 55,000 acres in the state. According to Moore, “every management decision has to make financial sense.” He’ll be joined during his presentation by Zach Reynolds, a research project manager for Mississippi State University.

Precision Agriculture Technology And Data Applications To Improve Cotton Production And Profitability In The Southeastern US

Presented by:  Dr. Simerjeet Virk, Assistant Professor and Extension Precision Ag Specialist, University of Georgia
Presented by:  Dr. Brenda Ortiz, Professor and Extension Precision Ag Specialist, Auburn University

With the availability of advanced technology and data solutions in agriculture today, precision application and management of crop inputs is becoming important to improve yield and overall profitability in cotton production. The rising cost of crop inputs – seed, fertilizer and chemicals – and the demand to strength environmental sustainability in recent years have emphasized the need to explore and utilize some of the digital technologies along with remotely-sensed crop and machine data to improve the efficiency of these crop inputs. The technology and information derived from these systems enable precise and efficient application of crop inputs to address spatial and temporal variability within the cotton fields. This session will provide various examples of the utilization of different agricultural technologies to support precision and data-driven applications related to planting, nutrient management, pesticide applications
and irrigation in cotton.

A Web-Tool To Inform Mid-Season Corn Nitrogen Management Using Drones

Presented by:  Dr. Aurelie Poncet, Assistant Professor of Precision Agriculture and Remote Sensing, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture
Presented by:  Dr. Jason Davis, Application Technologist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture

Technology adoption through precision agriculture can help improve scouting efficiency, and ultimately optimize crop management. Previous research demonstrated that canopy greenness measured using inexpensive drones and the Dark Green Color Index (DGCI) can be used to assess mid-season corn nitrogen status. Calibration equations were created to compare mid-season field DGCI values to that of a nearby high-nitrogen reference and predict yield loss from nitrogen deficiencies. A web-tool was developed to simplify the process and make results available to producers, crop consultants, and county extension agents. Tool functionalities will be demonstrated as part of this presentation.

Using Conservation Tillage And Cover Crops To Reduce Irrigation Water Use

Presented by:  Carson Roberts, Graduate Research Assistant, Mississippi State University 

Conserving soil moisture can reduce water use in irrigated cotton, and it is a key component of improved yield in dryland cotton production. Three years of research in Stoneville, MS has consistently proven that conservation practices (i.e., no-till and strip-till) improved soil moisture throughout the cotton growing season. Soil moisture was increased further when cover crops were added to a system. Improved soil moisture has led to reduced irrigation without a yield penalty.

Digging Into DIRT:  A New Irrigation Scheduling Tool For Furrow Irrigators

Presented by:  Dr. Stacia L. Davis Conger, Assistant Professor/State Irrigation Specialist, LSU AgCenter

The Drought Irrigation Response Tool (DIRT) is an integrative platform that assists farmers in making irrigation scheduling decisions during the crop season. This tool was created to not only assist farmers with irrigation decisions during drought years, but every year. Once logged into the webtool, irrigation sets can be added as appropriate. The webtool pulls weather data, calculates reference evapotranspiration and rainfall totals, and estimates soil moisture status for each field independently. During this presentation, the webtool’s predictions will be compared to multiple on-farm sensor demonstrations conducted during the 2023 drought.

Estimated Savings When Using Remote Pump Shutoff For 30-, 60- and 90-Well Farm Operations

Presented by:  Dr. Joseph Massey, Research Agronomist, USDA-ARS

Estimates of labor, energy and water savings associated with remotely operated pump-shutoff systems will be presented. Different break-even cost scenarios of current pump automation technology will also be discussed.

The View From The Desk…And Now The Field

Presented by:  Scott Whitaker, Arkansas Farmer, Trinity Farms Partnership LLC

A member of the legendary family who’ve farmed Northeast Arkansas land for nearly two centuries, Scott will speak about making the transition from consulting to becoming a rookie farmer. He’ll reflect on going to the bank for the first time, learning how to set up your business model and at the same time concentrate on the field and not data. He’ll give practical advice on how to handle the inevitable ups and downs the rice farmer will confront. He’ll be joined by Dr. Joe Massey of USDA-ARS.

How AGROCETE Can Help In Your Crop Management To Increase Yields And Profitability

Presented by:  Dr. Luiz Antonio Michelini, US Technical Manager, AGROCETE AGROSPECIALITIES LLC

AGROCETE US is a multinational company, with offices in Houston, TX, Mexico, Paraguay, Uruguay, Central America, and Brazil. We are an international reference in the area of adjuvants, physiological, biological and nutrition. The company is a pioneer in the production of special fertilizers and inoculants in South and Central America and stands out for innovation and technological advances from the laboratories to the production. We have strong and deep roots in Agriculture. We offer innovative solutions in plant nutrition and physiology to potentialize the results and success of the farmers. This is our commitment to them. Family origin is our essence, Agriculture is our guide, technical excellence is our goal. These are the ingredients that enable us to offer the farmers the best and newest technologies to expand their achievements. We are together with the farmers, we understand their problems, we are their partner in this essential journey for life and for the economy of their country and the world. In the end, Agriculture is our history, our life, our future. Agriculture, what we are … From the ROOTS!