Asian Rust Meetings Draw Large Crowds

There may be a new pest visiting Iowa’s soybean fields this year.  Asian Soybean Rust was first discovered in the U.S. last November.  Today, it’s nearly impossible to pick up a farm magazine without finding at least one article discussing this disease.   

In March, West Central held a series of Crop Clinics in local communities to share current and up-to-date information with area producers.  Crop Clinics were held in Adair, Ogden and Carroll.  Guest speakers Greg Tylka and Todd Vagts, both of Iowa States, were on hand to discuss Iowa State University’s views on this disease.  Also attending the Crop Clinics was Steve Barnhardt of Agriliance, to talk about corn-on-corn production. 

West Central’s agronomy team realizes there are a lot of unknowns regarding when and where this disease will occur, and to what extent the yield loss might be.  However, preparation is key. 

Each of West Central’s Agronomists have been trained as first detectors.  The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, the Iowa Soybean Association and Promotion Board, and Iowa State University have formed the Iowa Soybean Rust Team, and have developed a system to deal with possible Soybean Rust in the state of Iowa.  The system calls for soybean samples, suspected of being infected with Asian Soybean Rust, to be examined and past through a sequence of trained personnel to offer Iowa soybean growers rapid and accurate identification of the disease. 

West Central’s agronomy staff has attended multiple meetings involving industry experts and comparative discussion regarding other countries and their fight again Asian Soybean Rust.  West Central has also been holding informational meeting for area producers at local West Central offices, and members can look to West Central’s website for new information and updates regarding this disease. 

There are some key questions when it comes to fungicides and Asian Soybean Rust.  What class of fungicides to use, when to use these fungicides and the availability of these products are a few of those key questions.  These questions create a unique challenge for growers, retailers, distributors and manufacturers alike.  At this time, West Central will be unable to return fungicides to manufacturers.  If your concern is having product during the growing season, remember, the best policy is to prepay and take possession of a fungicide once shipments begin.  West Central has been, and will continue to, work with all manufacturers to procure enough products to cover member’s needs.