Corn and Soybean Prices Take a Breather
May 27, 2003
Urbana - Corn prices have now given back much of the recent gains, with July 2003 futures trading near $2.40 after spiking to a high of $2.59. A continuation of generally favorable weather for new crop development might be expected to push July futures under $2.35, and perhaps back to the late April low near $2.30, according to University of Illinois Extension Economist, Darrel Good.
"The modest strength in corn prices that occurred in the first half of May appears to have been driven by concerns about planting delays and a one-day BSE reaction," Good said.
Gravity Tank Low-Cost Way to Separate Manure, Control Odor
May 22, 2003
Urbana - Using an inexpensive, low-tech gravity tank in a swine manure liquid-solid separation process will help producers control swine odor and keep phosphorus and potassium levels in the soil under control.
"The gravity tank is the cheapest way to separate liquids from solids," said Ted Funk, University of Illinois Extension specialist in environmental engineering. But it's not just cheap. It's effective, according to U of I research.
Warning: Most Human Medications Are Not Safe for Pets
Your medicine cabinet may be hazardous to your pet’s health. This is where most people store various over-the-counter medications, painkillers, antihistamines, and vitamins.
“Dogs and cats are not small people. What is safe for people may not be safe for pets,” says Dr. Valentina Merola, a veterinarian at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana. “Most human medication has the potential to cause severe problems.”
Research Examines Impact of Climate Change on Crops
May 21, 2003
URBANA--To anticipate possible problems from global warming, researchers at the University of Illinois have launched a research project known as SoyFACE that can mimic the content of the atmosphere in the year 2050 and assess how those changes will affect crops.
West Nile Virus is Tough on Bird Population
May 20, 2003
URBANA - For over 130 species of birds, getting bitten by a mosquito carrying the West Nile virus can be fatal. And, although crows and jays appear to be hardy, aggressive birds, there is something about their immune system that makes them "differentially susceptible to the virus" said Jeff Brawn, a University of Illinois researcher. Brawn has been working with medical entomologists for the last year to study the effects of the virus on bird populations. He hopes to study how the virus will cause an evolutionary change in the crow’s immune system.
Researchers Locate Sources of Resistance to Soybean Aphids
May 20, 2003
URBANA--Although the extent of the problem has varied from year to year, the soybean aphid has recently become a pest throughout the Midwest. The aphids were first discovered in large numbers in soybean fields near the end of the 2000 growing season. After careful scientific investigation, they were identified as Aphis glycines, which had previously been reported only in Asia, Australia, and some Pacific islands.
Hobson Named Regional Director
May 21, 2003
URBANA—Ryan Hobson of Chatham has been named West Central Regional Director for University of Illinois Extension. He has served in the region since 2000 as associate regional director and, since March 2002, interim regional director.
Foam Mulch Promising for Weed Control on Vegetables
Date: May 20, 2003
URBANA -- Al Morgan of Clinton, Illinois holds the patent on a foam mulch that he hopes will become an alternative to herbicides for vegetable farmers and black plastic for organic farmers. He received a grant from the USDA Small Business program and approached researchers at the University of Illinois to test the product and provide an unbiased evaluation.
New Herbicide Shows Promise in Replacing Atrazine
Date: May 20, 2003
URBANA -- The new active ingredient, mesotrione, contained in the pesticide product Callisto herbicide could be a replacement for atrazine on sweet corn and popcorn crops according to a research project underway at the University of Illinois. Syngenta, the chemical company that registered the new herbicide, cooperated with U of I researchers to evaluate the product's safety and effectiveness on sweet corn varieties.
Setting a Threshold for Weed Tolerance in Vegetable Crops
Date: May 20, 2003
URBANA -- According to a University of Illinois researcher, setting a threshold for weed tolerance in vegetable crops is the key to helping farmers decide when or even if they should apply herbicides.
"The threshold for controlling insects is determined from performing sweep nets or other means to collect and count insects," said John Masiunas, "but there isn't the same widely-accepted threshold for weeds."