Gentry Sorenson – Field Agronomist
This February Planter University was held in locations across the state of Iowa. This event is well attended at every location that it is held at. Some ask, where do I find information from Planter University online? There are short videos and items shared on the Digital Ag website for planters. The website can be found at https://r2r.ae.iastate.edu/planter-resources/.
Topics covered include closing wheel alignment and setting planter downforce. Each topic will link you to a short video to explain the topics. Handy tools are also shared on the website to help with planting operations. The Pre-Plant Checklist provides information on wear parts, adjustments, and when parts need to be replaced.
Across the winter meeting season, southern rust has been a topic that has received many questions. Factors that contributed to southern rust last year were summarized in a recent blog from Alison Robertson, Iowa State University Plant Pathologist. Below is a list of the events that contributed to increased levels of southern rust in 2025. The complete article can be found at https://crops.extension.iastate.edu/post/will-southern-rust-be-problem-corn-2026

• Strong southern winds in June and July
• Increased corn acres planted in the southern United States
• Earlier observations vs previous years
• Wet conditions in July through mid-August
• Warmer conditions
• Leaves on corn were moist for 1-3 hours longer each day
• Susceptible hybrids
  Southern rust does not overwinter in Iowa. However, if similar environmental conditions develop during the 2026 growing season, growers should scout fields carefully, especially those planted with susceptible hybrids. Early detection and timely management decisions will be critical if disease pressure increases.
  An important resource for farmers is the Crop Protection Network, which can be found at https://cropprotectionnetwork.org/. The Crop Protection Network provides detailed information on
  This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For the full non-discrimination statement or accommodation inquiries, go to www.extension.iastate.edu/legal
  plant diseases that we encounter in corn and soybeans. Image libraries along with resources such as fungicide charts, videos and tools to help make decisions are available on this website.
  The Iowa Moth Trapping Network is looking for volunteers to trap black cutworm in 2026. The moth-trapping network targets black cutworm, a migratory pest in the state. Trapping black cutworms helps to predict when injury can occur. Volunteers trap moths in April and June, with the start of trapping beginning on April 1st. Free traps are available while supplies last and can be ordered by emailing bugtraps@iastate.edu. Participation in monitoring efforts provides valuable data to help protect Iowa crops throughout the growing season.